Happiness vs. Batten disease – which wins?

Happiness…  What does it mean?  How does one obtain happiness?  The definition of happy is “feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.”  Happiness is the state of being happy.   Why do so many people fight happiness?  Why do so many people allow anger, jealousy, and bitterness take over their life?  Why are some people only “happy” if they have something to be unhappy about?

In the last four years I have been asked why we as a family are happy.  How do we maintain happiness in the midst our struggles? 

Happiness vs. Batten disease – which wins?

I remember the day we got the diagnosis for our daughter Kate.  Happiness was nowhere to be found.  Happiness fled our home and darkness set in for a few weeks.  Living, breathing, and merely existing became a chore.  Tears were more common than smiles.  All around us was darkness, fear, and hopelessness.   We could have stayed in this state of mind but we CHOSE otherwise.  Am I saying happiness is a choice?  Yes, that is what I am saying. 

(BUT before we go any further, let me say loud and clear that I am not saying depression is a choice. In fact, I believe just the opposite.  Depression is a medical condition that requires medical attention, whether that be through counseling, medication or both.  Our country needs to remove the shame from mental illness and allow those with it to be open and unashamed.  This blog is about those who are healthy mentally yet they elect to be filled with anger, sadness and other dark emotions.)

We chose to find happiness and a way to live again.  Kate had been given a death sentence but the truth is she was and is a live.  We can hold her, kiss her, and see her.  How many years will she live?  I wish I knew.  However, I what knew once the darkness started to move, and continue to focus on, is that she is alive today.  We can chose to be miserable and see only death or we can chose to live, be happy and be thankful for today.  Batten disease may claim her life, but it wont claim the hours and days while she is living.  It wont claim our happiness.  We chose happiness because anger, sadness and bitterness doesn’t bring quality of life but happiness, love and a positive attitude do. 

More than happiness, I want joy.  If happiness is a choice, isn’t joy.  No!  Joy is a gift from God.  Happiness is like a fair weather friend; happiness comes and goes as life throws junk your way.  What do I mean?  You may be happy and at peace with life, but then the phone rings and you learn that someone you love has died.  Happiness is now replaced with sorrow and you grieve.  BUT joy is still there.  Joy is deep within your soul and lights the way when darkness surrounds you.   Joy is a gift that God wants us to claim.  Joy allows you to smile when your world has fallen apart.  Joy makes it possible for happiness to find you once again.  If you aren’t able to find joy or happiness, seek God first.  He is the joy, the peace, the light.  Once you have Him, joy will fill you. 

Romans 15:13 - May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5:22 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

John 16:24 – Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be completed.

So who wins, batten disease or happiness?  Neither.  Joy wins.  Joy has filled our hearts, our home and our lives.  Batten disease may win some of the battles and there may be days of fear and darkness, but my God is bigger than Batten disease and He has overcome this world.  So today we smile, laugh and trust that Gods plan is right on track.  We praise Him for the joy that allows us to get up each day and make memories with our family.