Rejoice in Hope

 We often think that the absence of trouble is what happiness in life is. It’s erroneous. We are called to rejoice in hope, being patient in trouble. The shame and suffering Jesus experienced could not disturb His joy because of His patience and hope.

We don’t find happiness by jumping out of difficult situations. The secret of happiness is to learn to accept the impossible, to do without the indispensable, and to bear the intolerable. Happiness comes when we stop wailing about the troubles we have, and offer thanks for all the troubles we don’t have! Though we weep at night, joy must come in the morning. We will miss happiness if we are not patient enough until sunrise. Life is a series of tunnels. No tunnel is without an exit. Impatience makes the time between entry and exit miserable. Believe that you will not sink in the middle.

Folks who are impatient with others not only kill their own joy by irritation, but also that of others. We are to remember that we are made different from one another. If we possess anything extra or special over others, it is not of our own but a gift of God. What makes you better than anyone else? What do you have that God has not given you? And if all you have is from God, why boast as though you have accomplished something on your own.

Happy homes are built with blocks of patience. A husband impatient with his wife’s cooking kills her enthusiasm. A wife impatient with her husband’s imperfections hinders his growth and development. A parent impatient with the casualness of the children spoils their jubilance. Children impatient with the parents’ strictness worries them. For every minute you are angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness! If there’s tug-of-war at home, let the rope be the love of God!

The importance of patience within family relationships must be felt at all the time, as impatience can negatively impact the enthusiasm, growth, and happiness of family members. A loving and patient attitude, grounded in the love of God, can foster a happy and peaceful home environment. Prioritizing love and understanding is most essential. Focusing on gratitude and the blessings we have, rather than dwelling on the troubles we face, can lead us to a more joyful and fulfilling life.

Overall, we must encourage ourselves to approach life's challenges with patience, gratitude, and love, ultimately leading to a deeper sense of happiness and contentment.