I believe that our happiness and spiritual development go hand in hand. When we are on the “right track” fulfilling our destiny of why we are on this earth, our true happiness level rises. Somehow we are “in sync” with the Universe.
Is there one person, a particular book, special counselor or confidante who has contributed to your happiness? I can thank Father Dennis Clark, our former pastor at Nativity Catholic Parish in CA, who recently passed away, for helping me hone in on my happiness.
At a low time in my life, immediately following my divorce, I sought Father Clark’s advice. Knowing that the Church did not approve divorce I tepidly approached our pastor, ready for the “talking points”.
Much to my surprise, not only did he support me, but also as our Church representative (which was huge for me) he blessed my divorce working with me until the Diocese of San Diego granted an annulment which allowed me to remarry again in the Catholic Church.
Father Clark’s individual response to me was typical of his approach to life, religion, and worship. He seemed to make religion “easy”.
Coming from a background filled with rules to abide by, rites to perform, and rituals to live by, Father Clark gave me the permission and courage to live my life, to follow my heart, and fulfill my destiny.
This priest did not let “religion” get in the way of a relationship with God. Basically every sermon, homily, and message boiled down to 3 very simple tenets for happiness and fulfillment:
Follow your heart
Care for each other
Relax in the Lord
Incorporating these 3 guidelines into your daily lives will serve you well from the “daily” to the “drastic”; whether you are finding your way through the parking lot of the grocery store or you are searching for meaning and purpose in you life after a tragedy.
Sometimes, we make life complicated getting lost in the maze of meeting the expectations of others, feeling the pressure of what we “should” do, and trying to be perfect! Father Clark gave us the Cliff Notes of the Bible: Follow your heart, Care for each other, and Relax in the Lord.
I guess it really does come down to Faith, Hope, and Charity.
Please write a comment below sharing something or someone that has helped you find your happiness.
Photo copyright: henrynoel / 123RF Stock Photo
