In 2001, McDonald’s teamed up with a popular toy store chain to provide the toys for its Happy Meals®.

It started in 1978 as a promotion at a Kansas City McDonald’s, when a toy was offered to kids along with their hamburger, fries, and shakes. The introduction of the Happy Meal® took the country by storm, and, for more than 25 years, young customers have enjoyed getting a fun toy along with their meal.

In fact, these toys have become popular collector’s items worldwide. Some people are so obsessed with their toy collection that they go to multiple restaurants and buy (maybe not eat!) as many kids’ meals as it takes to complete a portion of their collection.

With such a highly successful marketing concept, other major retailers sought partnerships with the restaurants in order to get their merchandise into children’s hands. And it didn’t take Hollywood long to catch on, either. Now nearly every major family film release is accompanied by a kids’ meal tie-in.

While some might think that collecting toys brings happiness, what brings you happiness? Maybe it’s new clothes, or a fun afternoon with your friends. Or maybe it’s spending a quiet afternoon reading. Whatever it might be, we need to remember that true happiness comes from only one source—and that’s a rock-steady relationship with Jesus Christ. Our joy comes from knowing Jesus and knowing that he is with us always. And what’s better, it’s this type of joy that helps us through the tough times—when the friends aren’t there, the shoes have holes in them, or the toys break down.

Jesus never fails us. He is always with us, and that should bring you real happiness and joy.

So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while (1 Peter 1:6).

To Do

Make a list of what makes you happy. Now cross off anything that is temporary or depends on your circumstances. What’s left on your list?

Also on this day

Stay Home Because You’re Well Day.

1835—Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) was born.

1875—A.J. Ehrichson patented the oat-crushing machine.

1954—In Sylacauga, Alabama, Elizabeth Hodges was injured when a meteorite crashed through the roof of her house. The rock weighed 8½ pounds.

From Betsy Schmitt and Dave Veerman, 365 Trivia Twist Devotions: An Almanac of Fun Facts and Spiritual Truth for Every Day of the Year (Cincinnati: Standard, 2005). Scripture quotations are from the New Living Translation unless otherwise noted.