ON HAPPINESS AND FREEDOM

A powerful Sunday homily of a priest whom I am not familiar with (as I am new in town) hit a chord in me today. He quoted Richard Rohr, author of "Adam's Return" who said there are five truths that transcends all cultures, social classes, and beliefs:
1 - Life is hard;
2- You are not important;
3- Your life is not about you;
4- You are not in control; and lastly,
5- You are going to die.

And I so agree. These five simple things take away the confidence rooted in one's self - which can be a problem when one's world revolves around his own and him alone.

It felt even better when he later said that if this list instilled fear or worry, this means that we are not free. Right there I realized, intimidated as the invisible me may seem, the sweet fact is, I am actually free! And I do have that elusive happiness, much as people - myself included - question it. Admittedly though, I still have to learn to strike a balance between the line that separates timidity and this liberating acceptance. I will have to learn to not be afraid to claim this happiness and freedom that is right before me.

We are confused temporal beings distracted by the synthesized essentials of this world. Bottomline is, we're not staying for long like everything else that surrounds us. How we creatively make use of the privelege given us each day, that's where the trick of the trade hides.

Years will come pass, gas prices may continue to rise, more threats to survival may surface and my wrinkles will continue to deepen. But regardless, these shall not take away my divine right to be happy. The fact is, all these too, like myself, is temporal. And so, I shall wake up each morning, grateful for the chance to celebrate life itself knowing that my confidence is anchored in the fact that God is with me, celebrating.