Never Happy
Each generation has gotten increasingly spoiled through the years. The Greatest Generation never complained about lack of comfort, food or basic necessities. They served in the military during World War II and Korea. The spouses and family left behind took it all in stride. These patriotic men and women were happy to protect our freedom.
They made their own happiness.
Today, it’s almost polar opposite. For example, young folks want to be grown. Old folks dream of being young again. Too many of us live by the mantra: “As soon as…” Unfortunately, when that time happens, it’s not the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow that was envisioned.
We are never happy.
Why is it that our grandkids receive toys, gadgets, electronic games and the most expensive Nike shoes in the store BUT when they are asked about a “happy time,” it doesn’t include any of the above? They were happy sitting at a ballgame, camping, fishing or walking the creekbank with their granddad or grandmother. It used to be hard to understand how special tossing a ball with a grandkid could be. Until the roles were reversed.
We are the same way. We cherish a homemade card more than anything Hallmark mass produces.
Ask most couples about their “happiest house” and it will include that first mobile home with a single wall heater that only worked on days beginning with the letter C. Thank the Good Lord for the electric blanket and the oven that was also used for heating the kitchen area. Or the pleather couch that was bought on credit from Marvin Morgan Furniture. We never knew how many poor pleathers were sacrificed for that lovely couch. The “happy car” had to be jumped off every other day or pushed down the hill to pop the clutch to get it going.
Happy times happened when times were toughest. Mayo sandwiches. Handmade Christmas gifts. Dumpster diving and yard sale bargain hunting. Sharing potluck dinners with neighbors to save money and playing card games afterwards and laughing til you cried.
Now however, those who live in mansions dream about the days when times were simpler. Young executives believe that they will finally be happy as soon as they get that next promotion. Why do you think Daddy is spending 60 hours a week at the office and missing ball games, recitals, church and school plays? We can’t get ahead and be happy if he has to spend time on those events. It’s funny that no man on his death bed ever said if he had it to do all over again, he would have spent more time at the office.
I know a whole busload of people who couldn’t wait to graduate from high school and move from this “one-horse” town. The big city and all its lights will make them happy. UNTIL they finally get there. Too many circle back to the small town living and realize that they had it pretty good from the get-go. Never happy.
Coaches are notorious as nomads. Most are never happy. High school assistants would be happy as the head coach. High school coaches would be happy at the college level. Small college coaches would be happy at the big boy level. College coaches would be happy in the NFL. It never ends.
Most college football fans can’t understand how a player can be unhappy with a full scholarship and $400,000 in NIL money. Yet, they head for the transfer portal, and too many end up with nothing in the end. The terms loyalty, perseverance and happiness are not interchangeable.
Remember this business axiom: owners are never happy with the wages they have to pay their employees. The employees are never happy with the paycheck they receive. How can both sides be wrong? It goes to show that happiness can’t be bought.
College football fans are never happy.
Alabama hasn’t won a national championship since 2020. Saban left DeBoer with a great roster but Bama fans don’t remember that 5 of those best players transferred as soon as Nick left. DeBoer has beaten Auburn both years and won a playoff game this year. BUT, they aren’t happy since he is not Saban and hasn’t won a national championship yet.
Auburn hasn’t had a winning season in 5 years. The fans are not happy. That’s why the Tigers are on their 3rd coach. What would create happiness on the Plains this fall? Qualifying for a bowl game and beating Alabama, according to my Auburn wife. But just watch, if that does happen, they won’t be happy playing in a cold weather bowl.
There is an old saying: “everyone is as happy as they choose to be.”
As Bob Marley sings:
“Don’t worry-Be happy”
Sing it again Bob.
Sing it again.