Is it a Happy Anniversary?
What time really is it?
Photo by Jacqueline MunguÃa on Unsplash
I used to sell items regularly on some online selling platforms. There was this generic framed picture that I had planned on selling that simply read: The time to be happy is now. This was a while ago and it was a tough time so I decided to hang it up as a friendly reminder to myself that I could be choosing happiness right now (as much as I thought I could). The time to be happy is now. I kept glancing at it as I passed by. I kept thinking, "I like the message but I have a nagging feeling about it." Days went by and I continued to have these intrusive thoughts each time I looked at it. Then one day, I had a different thought: The time to be HOLY is now (as opposed to being happy as the picture suggested). Honestly, the call to be happy sounded a lot easer than the call to be holy, but here was this distinct call.
I began contemplating what the Holy Spirit may be trying to tell me or call me to do with this odd internal dialogue about this simple picture hanging up. I know that we are called to live life to the full and called to be a light to others in living out our daily faith. Did I have to choose between holiness and happiness? Are they incompatible? Upon further reflection, I started considering JOY! Is joy the true intersection of happiness and holiness? Do we experience joy when we embrace both happiness and holiness in our daily life? I began to feel at peace about this train of thought.
At Christmas time, we sing "Joy to the Lord!" as opposed to referncing happiness. We know that joy can be an approach to life that can be lived no matter life's circumstances in general. I had a great uncle who was a priest for most of his life and he was known for his smile. I can't remember a time when I did not see him genuinely smiling. I think it was his 'resting face'. Everyone just LOVED him dearly and he was the perfect intersection of happiness and holiness - true joy. Parishoners, family and friends were all drawn in by him to know, love and serve Jesus and others. His nickname of "Fr. Smiley" was so fitting. As he grew to be quite old, I am sure he experienced difficulties but one would never know.
As I face my own challenges, big and small, I need to remember that the time to be holy is now. It is also the time to be happy. I am called to live joyfully. The joy of the Lord will be my strength. What time is it for you?
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About the Author
Carmen Moore has a passion for many things including her Catholic faith/Catholic education, autism, supporting families in navigating educational/familial goals and learning at the same time. With a vast background in formalized education, Carmen has enjoyed a career as a classroom teacher, school principal, and teacher coach supporting students with specialized needs that has spanned decades. However, her vocation as a wife and mother is her greatest passion and is living that out with laughter, love and prayer as they face what life brings.
Carmen is also a freelance writer and has contributed to many online and print publications (faith related and otherwise) and was a regular blogger for her local Parish. Her passion extends to public speaking and she has shared her story with many audiences. She was chosen to create short video clips for Redemptorist TV which are featured in her website as well at CMooreinEducation that are based on personal experiences and faith reflections.
With a formal education that includes a Masters in Religious Education (MRE) as well as being a committed Catholic for her entire life, her focus on being joyful (even when things go sideways...) has helped her to share her insights by writing, speaking and trying to live that message. Being a parent of a child with 'different abilities' who lives his life in 'joy mode' most of his life, has inspired her to live each new day with a fresh perspective. She is honored to be able to share some insights on Catholic 365. God is good...all the time!
