Good Christmas work week Monday, on this December 21, 2009. Okay. Get ready for this one. Drum roll please. The number one state in the United States rated for its people being happy is: LOUISIANA! Let me read that back to you one more time. LOUISIANA! That is correct my friend from a comprehensive study of over one million people surveyed between 2005 and 2008. All states and the District of Columbia were included in personal evaluations based on a disposition regarding these issues: Relationships and social interaction, parenthood, marital status, religious involvement, age, income (but mainly up to the point where survival needs are met), and proximity to other happy people. The experts also believe that one major correlative factor coming out of the surveys has to do with the amount of sunshine available in each year. I was born in Louisiana. I grew up in Louisiana. I was happy in Louisiana but no one would have guessed it to be the homeland of the happiest people in America.We hav
e lived in Texas since 1969. According to this study Texas ranks 16th in happiness. It was pointed out that the study began a few months before Hurricane Katrina hit so it may be skewed a little. However, those conducting the study contend that Louisiana still comes out the happiest and certainly not because of prosperity. Lower income states are well represented in the top ten where Mississippi and Alabama join Louisiana. One might expect to find Hawaii (2) and Florida (3), but the other big tourist states are way down the list. Nevada is 39th and California weighs in at 46th. The so-called mega center of 'our' universe, New York State, finished dead last at 51st, (The District of Columbia was also included, ranked 37th). I suppose those who live in DC are so busy making the rest of us unhappy they have little time to make themselves happy. A joke, I think, I hope.
e lived in Texas since 1969. According to this study Texas ranks 16th in happiness. It was pointed out that the study began a few months before Hurricane Katrina hit so it may be skewed a little. However, those conducting the study contend that Louisiana still comes out the happiest and certainly not because of prosperity. Lower income states are well represented in the top ten where Mississippi and Alabama join Louisiana. One might expect to find Hawaii (2) and Florida (3), but the other big tourist states are way down the list. Nevada is 39th and California weighs in at 46th. The so-called mega center of 'our' universe, New York State, finished dead last at 51st, (The District of Columbia was also included, ranked 37th). I suppose those who live in DC are so busy making the rest of us unhappy they have little time to make themselves happy. A joke, I think, I hope.The two university professors who led the study do have their critics. Anytime you say the word happiness the psychologists will come out of the woodwork. The bottom line here it
to remind us of what God has to say about true happiness as recorded in His Word, The Bible. The theme found there has to do with how that life does not consist of what one owns, the power they gain and wield, or the things they are able to accumulate. Interestingly enough, Louisiana is a very religious state along with several others in the top ranking. Some of the critics said perhaps Louisiana scored high because of their low expectations. Could be a factor but where people find their sense of well being from God and are thankful for His provisions, they will always report being blessed as a result. These comments now give you a little something to think about as you sip your morning java, (preferably Community from Louisiana). Have a great week and may God bless! Amen. ...........More later.
to remind us of what God has to say about true happiness as recorded in His Word, The Bible. The theme found there has to do with how that life does not consist of what one owns, the power they gain and wield, or the things they are able to accumulate. Interestingly enough, Louisiana is a very religious state along with several others in the top ranking. Some of the critics said perhaps Louisiana scored high because of their low expectations. Could be a factor but where people find their sense of well being from God and are thankful for His provisions, they will always report being blessed as a result. These comments now give you a little something to think about as you sip your morning java, (preferably Community from Louisiana). Have a great week and may God bless! Amen. ...........More later.More info on the rankings: http://www.physor.com/news180284820.html
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