As I was looking for a recipe for Gingerdoodle Cookies, I saw a “Recipe for a Happy Life” by an anonymous writer:
To me, the recipe paralleled the Fruit of the Spirit as described in Galatians 5:22-23. I especially like the wording of The Message version translated by Dr. Eugene H. Peterson:
“But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.”
Recipes have no guarantees
Of course, it does not guarantee us a happy life. Jesus said in Matthew 6:34, “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.”
But Jesus doesn’t leave us hopeless. He offers His gift of peace in John 14:25-27: “I’m telling you these things while I’m still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. I’m leaving you well and whole. That’s my parting gift to you. Peace. I don’t leave you the way you’re used to being left—feeling abandoned, bereft. So don’t be upset. Don’t be distraught.”
As with any recipe, your success depends on the quality of your ingredients and the proper use and measure of each. Welcome the Holy Spirit and you will cook up a (mostly) happy life!
Btw, you can see the recipe I found for Gingerdoodle Cookies here! Also, I created the fun recipe graphic on Canva!
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