Quest for the Golden Trophy

I think a part of the human condition is that we are never satisfied. That can be a good thing, because it can challenge you to grow, to stretch and to change for the good.

Sometimes it can be harmful.

Sometimes you stop looking at the great things that you have in your life, and start looking longingly at what other people have.

“If only I had their career, their house, their opportunities.”

Through this fog of “longing looking” you start to formulate an unhealthy mindset of what will make you happy. Suddenly you see something in the distance.

It’s a shimmering golden trophy.

“That’s it!” you say. “That’s what I need to be happy!”

So you start your journey to reach this distant trophy. It could be a better job, more money, more respect. It’s not the goal that’s wrong. It’s the intent.

Trying to find happiness in things.

If you think you will get that, you are mistaken.

Because you may get to that trophy someday, you will hold it in your hands and the golden glow will fade. It won’t bring you happiness.

Then like a Greek myth, in the distance you will see another golden trophy, and you will tell yourself “No, that’s what I really wanted! That will give me the happiness I seek!”

Off you will go on your never ending, never satisfying quest.

The truth is you have the actual treasures with you right now. In your family and friends, your challenges and relationships in the workplace. There is even treasure in the process of the work that you are doing right now.

Don’t let the dreamlike empty promise of the distant golden trophy cause you to walk right over the treasure chest of love, opportunity and work you have right now.

One more thought from C.S. Lewis

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”