From the book “Mother Teresa a Simple Path”…
“We have a right to be happy and peaceful. We have been created for this—we are born to be happy—and we can only find true happiness and peace when we are in love with God: there is joy in loving God, great happiness in loving Him. Many people think, especially in the West, that having money makes you happy. I think it must be harder if you are wealthy because you may find it difficult to see God: you’ll have too many other things to think about. However, if God has given you this gift of wealth, then use it for His purpose—help others, help the poor, create jobs, give work to others. Don’t waste your wealth. Having food, a home, dignity, freedom, health, and an education are all of God’s gifts too, which is why we must help those who are less fortunate than ourselves.
Jesus said, “What you did to the least of my brethren, you did to me.” Therefore, the only sadness I ever feel is if I do something wrong, if I hurt Our Lord in some way, through selfishness or uncharitableness, , for instance. When we hurt the poor, we hurt, and we hurt each other, we’re hurting God.
Everything is God’s to give and to take away, so share what you’ve been given, and that includes yourself.
Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more. Be happy now and if you show through your actions that you love others, including those who are poorer than you, you’ll give them happiness, too. It doesn’t take much—it can be just giving a smile. The world would be a much better place if everyone smiled more. So smile, be cheerful, be joyous that God loves you. ~ Mother Teresa, From the book “Mother Teresa a Simple Path”… Ballantine Books, 1995, pgs 179-81
