What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Strawberry Thrill Shake from Six Flags

I know plenty of things that make me happy, but it seems no matter what I try in this life, it’s never “perfect”.

For example I recently finished months of HCG low-calorie dieting, and then went on a two night vacation with Haleh to Valencia California to visit Six Flags. I went from 282 lbs in October of last year, down to 219 lbs. Since I was not down to my goal weight, which is currently around 180 lbs, I decided before finishing my diet that I would start another one in June. So, back to the vacation, since we decided to drive there, and since I would be starting another diet soon, I believed that I could have “perfect happiness” if I allowed myself to eat all sorts of candy, snacks, and energy drinks while on vacation.

I did enjoy myself the first night, on the drive there. To start things off, I had half of a King-size Sweet & Salty Snickers bar, followed by several handfuls of peanut-butter and cookies and cream “buddy” Chex mix. I also had nearly a whole pack of Swedish Fish, which I kept calling Gold Fish.

At the next stop I was feeling candied-out, so I got a delicious bag of guacamole chips (the dip is in the chip, the bag said). I got more candy and snacks then written here, but I don’t remember it all.

For dinner the second night, we went to Salt Creek Grill, near Six Flags. The appetizer bread was tasteless and while the butter was nicely whipped, it too was tasteless. My meal was meatloaf, which tasted “Ok” with a decent amount of salt I had to add. My two sides were Gorgonzola mac and cheese, not good, and the worlds hottest order of  au gratin potatoes... they were also, just “ok” after they cooled down. The best thing there was the carrot cake I shared with Haleh after stuffing myself with dinner and appetizers. Dinner was very expensive, and totally not worth it.

At Six Flags, I was super excited to get a seemingly delicious Thrill Shake which they stated packed 980 calories. The shake included, tasteless ice cream, strawberry syrup, about half of a strawberry pop tart, and an old fashion strawberry good bar (I think it’s called). The shake was a disaster. It might have been better if they would have blended it... but it was a 1 star experience as it was. It was ridiculously expensive, and totally not worth it, price-wise or calories. It did not make me happy.

On the drive home, I ate less calories than the drive there, but that was only because I felt sick after two days of eating bad decisions. On my three day adventure, the scale said I put on about 10 pounds. Yikes!

I was totally wrong about what I thought would provide me happiness.  You’re probably saying “Duh!” but I bet you do it too. If not with food, then with something else.

I believe that perfect happiness is not achievable this side of heaven. With our sinful & broken bodies and all of the sinful & broken bodies around us, I think life is a constant disappointment. Especially if you’re looking to this life to provide perfect happiness. I think perfect happiness is only possible without sin, and therefore heaven will be the only time I’ll experience it.

But what even is perfect happiness?  I think it consists, partially, of loving, meaningful relationships. Perfect happiness would either have no arguments or at least discussions where all participants communicate clearly and listen graciously. Perfect happiness would be where my cravings are for only healthy things. Perfect happiness would include a life perfectly balanced with fulfilling productive activities and peaceful rejuvenating relaxation.

I believe that perfect happiness is spending eternity with a God, that is Himself perfect and loving. That’s my plan. If you’re not sure where you’ll be spending eternity, find out now.

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