by Joanie Butman
A new marijuana store opened in our sleepy Massachusetts town this summer. Since it began welcoming customers, Happy Valley has attracted clients of all shapes and sizes chasing sleep or that elusive state of being - happiness. It’s funny to watch the extent some people are willing to go and/or pay for an artificially induced serenity. Having experienced many a high in my day, none compares to the deep, lasting joy found through a relationship with Jesus.
The new business created such a buzz in our staid seaside community I had to visit to see what the fuss was about. The best way to describe Happy Valley is to say it is like an Apple store for pot. Sleek and pristine, they could almost convince you they do indeed hold the key to happiness in their vault. The strict security measures also add to the perceived value of their product. No one has any problem wearing a mask in this store because they’d rather not be recognized while stocking up. I had field research as an excuse.
After I exited, I sat in the parking lot for a while watching the constant stream of patrons coming and going. It seems the appeal of Happy Valley crosses all socio and economic boundaries. Apparently, we’re all looking for a slice of Heaven here on earth – which is exactly what Jesus offers. His kind of high is free and customer satisfaction is guaranteed. Yet, so many are reluctant to embrace it. His invitation in Matthew 11:28 is for everyone, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” There are no shortcuts in Christianity though. You’ve got to choose to cultivate a Divine relationship. No one can do the work for you then offer you a spiked gummy to achieve the desired effect. It’s a life-long endeavor which grows more potent with time and trials. Happy Valley even has a rewards program, but it can’t compare with the blessings we receive when we put our faith in Christ.
Life is a series of peaks and valleys. Only through Christ have I learned that I can be joyful in a valley. He is the only One who can transform a valley incident into a mountain-top experience. That’s because despite whatever is happening, I feel closest to and most reliant on God when I’m in a valley. Happiness is dependent upon circumstances. Joy defies circumstances.
The high Happy Valley promises is fleeting. The joy Christ offers is eternal and can withstand even the deepest valleys because, as Christians, we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him. The happiest valley I’ve found is the one Christ is in – and I didn’t see any evidence of His presence in the Gloucester facility.
One last thing, you’d never find Happy Valley without knowing about it in advance. It’s off the beaten path. You probably wouldn’t seek out God either unless someone pointed you in His direction. That’s why Christ gave the great commission in Matthew 28:19, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
If someone asked the reason for your joy, how would you choose to answer? I won’t be handing out Happy Valley business cards, but I might extend an invitation to Bible Study because my only key to peace, serenity and joy is the empty tomb of Christ. As the song goes,
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living, just because He lives
