Reflection on Father Parent's thoughts:

HAPPINESS IN EVERYDAY LIFE

What is happiness? Where can we find it? How does happiness feel? Can we lose it? How can we keep it if we think we've found it? There are as many definitions of happiness as there are people on earth. But at a deeper level, there is an insatiable thirst for happiness that keeps us searching for more of it, until we reach fulfilment when we meet the Creator.

Father Parent gave us a clue: Happiness is a state of mind that we create for ourselves by the way we accept and use the present moment. It's a simple program that lasts a lifetime and bears fruit.

I've often wondered what it is that makes me happy and joyful, and how I can maintain this inner well-being. It is peace of mind, peace with God, with myself and with others. This doesn't rule out small or big problems. There is always a positive way of dealing with them.

Happiness is made available to me so that I can give it to others, to those who cross my path today. The present moment offers this possibility: an availability that allows special attention, a simple smile, a special greeting, small pleasures shared with other residents. Happiness is in the simplicity of the Institute's spirituality, within reach of each of its members.

In the company of the Holy Spirit, may our continual search for ever greater happiness be fruitful.

Georgette Leclerc
February 2025