If You're Happy and You Know It

If You're Happy and You Know It

This is an old, old song that is sung by all ages in all arenas and can and has been altered over and over to suit a theme or an activity or an audience.  From what I read online it dates back to the 1900's and it is a take on an even older Latvian folk song.  (Latvia is near Russia - who knew????)  It's been used in commercials, movies and even at ballgames.  It truly is a classic.  For those of you not familiar with the song (I'm shocked!) but, to each verse you add an action - for example, If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands  or If you're happy and you know it, stomp your feet or a really fun one, If you're happy and you know it, spin around.  In this song you can shout and hoot and holler and jump and twirl - just about anything.  The song continues on to say, If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it.  So, so true. 

I sang this song in school growing up and in Girl Scouts and then in my preschool and Sunday School classrooms.  I've even used it as an ice breaker in meetings.  It transcends the age barrier.  Today's blog, however is not necessarily about "the song" and it's history it is more about the words and the message.

Have you ever seen a person - let's say a retail clerk in a store - and you were actually afraid to go up to them and ask for help?  The reason - their face didn't say - "Come ask me a question, I want to help you because I really like my job."  No, their face said - "Don't even think about asking me a question because I don't care that you need help, I don't want to help you and I hate this lousy job!"  Oh my, I have and that is so sad to me.

If a person is happy in what they are doing it is going to show on their face.  If they are happy in what they are doing, they are going to put forth an effort to do their best.  If they are happy in what they are doing, they will be clapping their hands and shouting out loud and spinning around, so to speak. 

I was in a teacher's lounge in a school yesterday and I would have to say that 98% of the teachers in that room were happy in what they were doing - teaching.  I could see it in their faces. 

Here's my idea - if you are not happy in what you are doing, you probably shouldn't be doing it for your own sake and for the sake of the people you serve, your co-workers and your employer.  God intended each of us for a purpose.  When you find that purpose and do it, you will be happy and you will know it and your face will surely show it.  Everyone wins!!

So, if you are not happy in your job, find another one.  And if you are happy in your job, clap and shout and spin around and say AMEN!!!! and thank God for His wonderful gift.

"I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  That everyone may eat drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil -- this is the gift of God."  
                                                                                                         Ecclesiastes 3: 12 & 13