The sad, sometimes hauntingly beautiful images we see in contemporary art and drama, literature and song, keep on asking those timeless questions; where is the fulfilled life?  Who can show us the way?  Who has discovered the secret of successful living?  It's in our nature as human creatures of God, children of God, to ask such questions.

I love this - how many psychiatrists does it take to change a light bulb?  The answer - only one, but it can be a long and tedious process because the light bulb really has to want to be changed!  In the Sermon on the Mount, chapters 5, 6 and 7 of Matthew, Jesus shares the secret of a happy, successful, fulfilling life.  When we want to be changed, when we are willing to be changed, we discover the secret:

*  You don't find happiness by pursuing it.

*  Your happiness lies in your willingness to make someone else happy.

*  You experience happiness by doing God's will.

*  You experience happiness when you follow Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Loving God, as we open our minds and hearts to share with you our deepest feelings and desires, we claim your promise that if we ask we shall receive, if we seek we will find, if we knock the door will be opened to us.  Today we remember those who grieve, those who are ill, those who are hungry or homeless, those who are anxious, those who are discouraged.  May we offer our physical presence, encouraging words, embracing hugs, resources to share... knowing that as we do so to others we are sharing our love and gratitude to you.  Fill us now with joy and grace and hope.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.