HOW TO BE HAPPY ALL THE TIME Lester A. Rowland “The way to be happy,” says Miserly Joe, “Is take care of your money; hoard up your dough. Don’t give to charity but save every cent, Be firm with your tenants just hike up their rent.” So Joe saves his pennies, oppresses the weak By charging high interest when loans they must seek. When his notes come due no mercy will he show, But greedily watches his money bags grow. He arrives at old age a friendless old man And wonders what’s wrong with his happiness plan. “The way to be happy,” says rich idle Mae, “Is to lie late in bed about every day.” Well she gets up at last and eats like a pig And wonders just why her figure’s so big. She wanders down town wondering what to do, Or calls up her friends for gossip that’s new. She goes to the races to divert her mind But no real pleasure is she able to find. When asked to help others with some worthy chore, She refuses, and wonder why life’s such a bore. “The way to be happy,” says foolish young Kate, “Is loiter down town and pick up a date. A guy with an auto and a bottle of gin, That’s the kind,” she declares, “is the prince of men.” So they dance at a roadhouse way past midnight, Then they take a long drive until near daylight. She arrives at home, at mornings early dawn, With no self respect and her morals all gone. The happiness she looked for, she did not get But continued her life of shame and regret. “The way to be happy,” says wild reckless Bill, “Is to get on a drunk and then get your fill Of women and liquor and plenty of wine, Then shoot up the town; that’s the way to feel fine. So Bill has his spree in his wild reckless way, And in the county jail we find him next day. He’s cursing and wallowing there in his cell, he says he is sick and doesn’t feel well. No, Bill is not happy, nor never was he. He is only a hunk of real misery. “Oh where is this happiness?” men vainly cry, “Just drink, be merry for tomorrow we die.” This world is a misery we slave and slave Our life is soon over and ends in the grave.” The trouble with Kate and Joe and Bill and Mae; They’re looking for happiness in the wrong way. The secret of happiness comes from within. You’ll never be happy when you commit sin. Do you want to be happy? Here is the way To make your life shining loving and gay: First, each day make your peace with the ONE who died For our sins so many. He was crucified. Then keep your body a real picture of health And leave off trying to accumulate wealth. Each day help others along life’s weary road By helping them carry a part of their load. Oh! What a joyful,---what a glorious plan! By being helpful to others, a friend to man. Will this happy plan work? Now listen to me; Just try it today and you sure will agree.