Many years ago (I’m getting older) I remember this quote from John Powel, “If you are happy, PLEASE notify your face!” It makes me chuckle but sadly I am experiencing many folks who may need to hear that quote. Have you noticed that people may be struggling to experience happiness? As I drive to and from work or walk down a street, I experience people who appear far from experiencing happiness.
A quote from Pope Francis just resurfaced and it really made me think about ‘real happiness’. As August continues to roll on and bring us back to our regular routines, I thought I would share some of his quote. I think you will appreciate it.
“You can have flaws, be anxious, and even be angry, but do not forget that your life is the greatest enterprise in the world. Only you can stop it from going bust. Many appreciate you, admire you and love you. Remember that to be happy is not to have a sky without a storm, a road without accidents, work without fatigue, relationships without disappointments.
To be happy is to find strength in forgiveness, hope in battles, security in the stage of fear, love in discord. It is not only to enjoy the smile, but also to reflect on the sadness. It is not only to celebrate the successes, but to learn lessons from the failures. It is not only to feel happy with the applause, but to be happy in anonymity.
Being happy is not a fatality of destiny, but an achievement for those who can travel within themselves. To be happy is to stop feeling like a victim and become your destiny's author. It is to cross deserts, yet to be able to find an oasis in the depths of our soul. It is to thank God for every morning, for the miracle of life.
Being happy is not being afraid of your own feelings. It's to be able to talk about you. It is having the courage to hear a "no". It is confidence in the face of criticism, even when unjustified. It is to kiss your children, pamper your parents, to live poetic moments with friends, even when they hurt us.
To be happy is to let live the creature that lives in each of us, free, joyful and simple.” Pope Francis
So, are you working on your smile? Remember that Joy is the ineffable presence of God within. Working on being happy and sharing happiness challenges us to grow. And as Pope Francis suggests, all of this does not happen in perfect situations. Humanity happens. “Remember when you are smiling the whole world smiles with you!” And we could really use that experience today.
Til Next Week,
Sister Theresita
P.S. The picture was taken years ago with my friend Ashley. We were cooking a meal for a family that was an auction item for a charity. What fun!
