Thoughts on Happiness

I don't often talk about my faith here, because I believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions. Today, though, I feel as though this is necessary.

I grew up a Catholic, going to Mass every Sunday with my parents and sister, and I went to a Catholic school from kindergarten through seventh grade. I served Mass for six years, and I believe I have been teaching Children's Liturgy of the Word (Sunday school) for the past five years.

Yesterday, the lesson I was planning for this coming Sunday really hit home. I have been having a tough time dealing with some stuff in my life, and Sunday really hurt. I hope to someday be able to share these struggles here so that I can in turn help someone else through their own pain, but today is not the time for that.

This Sunday's Gospel really helped me put some things into perspective. Happiness comes from the inside and how you treat others; you should not be relying on other people and things to make you happy.

Matthew 5:1-12

One day, when Jesus was being followed by a large crowd, he climbed a hillside, sat down, and began to speak:
    Happy are gentle people, for they shall be treated with gentleness.
    Happy are people who forgive others, for they shall be forgiven.
    Happy are the poor, for they shall see heaven.
    Happy are people who do what is right and care about others.
    Happy are people who make peace and bring friendship.
    Be happy even if people are unkind and say nasty things to you because you believe in me, for you will have great rewards in heaven.

xoxo.