The Happiness Advantage
Every once in a while, something shows up on social media that takes me back.
I still follow Greenland Hills UMC in Dallas, Texas, where I served as the church secretary while I was a seminary student at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. Those were some of the most formative years of my life. I wasn’t just learning in the classroom—I was learning in the church office, in worship, and by watching faithful ministry unfold day after day.
One of the greatest gifts from that time was my mentor, Rev. Kathleen Baskin. Kathleen was the pastor at Greenland Hills, and she was simply amazing. She had a way of leading with vision, compassion, wisdom, and joy. She loved the church deeply, challenged people to grow in their faith, and somehow always seemed to find hope even when ministry was difficult. She helped shape me as a pastor, and I remain grateful for her.
Even now, years later, I still follow Greenland Hills and seeing how the church continues to grow, adapt, change and try new things. One of those things is a monthly book study. Their latest selection is The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor.
I haven’t read the whole book yet, but I looked it up and read about its central idea.
Most of us have been taught that life works like this: If I become successful, then I’ll be happy. Get the promotion. Raise the family. Buy the house. Lose the weight. Reach retirement. Then happiness will finally arrive.
Achor argues that we’ve had the equation backward. Research in positive psychology suggests that happiness actually comes first. When we intentionally cultivate gratitude, hope, healthy relationships, and optimism, our brains function better. We become more creative, resilient, productive, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges. Happiness isn’t simply the reward for success—it often becomes the fuel that leads to it.
As I read about it, I thought this sounds familiar. Scripture has been teaching something like that all along.
The Apostle Paul encouraged believers to rejoice while writing from prison. The Psalms repeatedly call us to give thanks. Jesus continually drew people into community, reminding them that abundant life isn’t found in possessions or accomplishments but in a relationship with God and with one another.
Christian joy is trusting that God is present in every season. And speaking of seasons… we’re in the middle of summer.
Summer is a wonderful time for vacations, family reunions, cookouts, baseball games, trips to the lake, and a slower pace. I hope you’re enjoying every bit of it. God created Sabbath, rest, and recreation for a reason. But don’t let summer become a season when you drift away from the very things that help cultivate joy.
One of the greatest gifts God gives us is the church. Week after week we gather to sing, pray, learn, serve, and remind one another that we’re not walking through life alone. Sometimes we come carrying burdens. Sometimes we come celebrating blessings. Most Sundays it’s a little of both.
Research may tell us that gratitude, community, and hope make us healthier and happier. The church has been practicing those things for two thousand years.
So wherever your summer takes you, I hope worship remains part of it. If you’re in town, I’d love to see you at Broad Street. If you’re traveling, join us by livestream or visit another church on your travels. And if you’ve been away for a while, consider this your invitation to come back. We’d love to welcome you!
Thank you, Greenland Hills, for continuing to recommend books that spark faithful thought. And thank you, Rev. Kathleen Baskin, my mentor, for allowing me to learn from your joy of ministry. God grows happiness in us as we walk faithfully together in all seasons of life. See you Sunday!
Peace, Pastor Tracy