Law of the Garbage Truck! Keys to happiness?

This story is told by a pastor; see if you can relate to it!

I am on my way to the airport and am in somewhat of a hurry. Frustration grips me and I feel a little on edge. I hop in a taxi and off we go.

We are in the right lane scurrying down the pavement when a black colored auto suddenly jumped from a parking space only a little in front of us. It is a time of “panic city” as my driver slammed his brakes. The tires screamed in an agonizing screech as we skid to within two inches of catastrophe.

Praise God there is no collision.

However, the other driver doesn’t share my sentiment. He whips his head, flails his hand and yells some salty remarks at us. Now picture this; my taxi driver just smiles and waves at this disgruntle chap. Two men; both driving; both in a hurry, but one is raving mad and the other is really friendly! What a contrast this is.

So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This man almost crashed your car and sent us to the hospital!'”

This is where I learn one of the keys to happiness:

The driver of the yellow cab says, “When you drive as long as I have, you start seeing a lot of people like garbage trucks.”

I raise my eyes in amazement at such a salvo and say, “And what does that mean?”

He continues, “They run around full of garbage, full of dissatisfaction, full of resentment, full of disappointment and full of rage and anger. As this waste piles up in them, they need a place to dump it. Sometimes they dump it on me!

I don't take it personally. I just smile, give a friendly wave, wish them well, and move on. I refuse to take their garbage and spread it anywhere else. I don't take it and spread the stench to other people at work, at home, or on the streets.

The moral of this tale is that happy people do not let the garbage truck take over their day.

(submitted by Wbisbill as told by an unknown fellow pastor)

Help For Living from the Bible:

Mat 5:44-45 But here is what I tell you. Love your enemies. Pray for those who hurt you. Then you will be sons of your Father who is in heaven.

Philippians 4:8-9 Finally, my brothers and sisters, always think about what is true. Think about what is noble, right and pure. Think about what is lovely and worthy of respect. If anything is excellent or worthy of praise, think about those kinds of things. Do what you have learned or received or heard from me. Follow my example. The God who gives peace will be with you.

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Helpful Links:

Meaning of Happiness: What is happiness?

Happiness Statistics: STATISTICS in the WORLD DATABASE of HAPPINESS

Happiness And Money: Can Money Buy Happiness?

What Makes People Happy: USATODAY.com - Psychologists now know what makes people happy

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Four Scriptural Ways To Be Happy: (The word “blessed” means an implied happiness!)

Trust in God

Proverbs 16:20 … Blessed (happy) is the person who puts his trust in the Lord.

DELIGHT in God's law

Psalms 1:1-2 Blessed is the one who obeys the law of the Lord.

He doesn't follow the advice of evil people. He doesn't make a habit of doing what sinners do. He doesn't join those who make fun of the Lord and his law. Instead, he takes delight in the law of the Lord. He thinks about his law day and night.

Live Righteously

Matthew 5. 6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

Worship God regularly and genuinely

Psalms 122. 1. … I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD.