We have a special treat for children this week because we are focusing on happiness. Many children today find happiness confusing and difficult to understand. This is because children are taught that in order for them to be happy, they have to do something before they are given a present or gift as a reward. Children are also trained to smile and laugh even though there is nothing to laugh about. There are still many things that have replaced the real joy that makes children happy. Computers and a busy life have taken away the time that children spend with those they love like their parents, brothers, sisters and friends. Long ago, children were always shown love and kindness by their elders. They did this when they spent a lot of time with children and taught them good behaviour. Children learnt that joy was something that they felt every time not because of the gifts they got. Thinking that getting gifts and presents means happiness is not true. This is true but the only problem with it, is that if you do not get a gift then you cannot be happy. Children, need to learn that, they can be joyful even when they do not have gifts or presents. Material things are not important in life. Things only help people to become a little comfortable but they do not make them joyful. There are people who are so poor yet so happy. You may wonder what makes them happy and you will realise that it is a special gift they have in their hearts. They know who they are and whom they belong to. No matter what happens they appreciate themselves and the way God created them. This is the real happiness and it’s called inner joy. Ends
