One of the articles quoted research showing that if the wealthy pursue money for its own sake, they are never likely to achieve fulfillment, but those who have another goal (with money a welcome fringe benefit) are happier. And those who have the welfare of others at heart (a typical example being Mother Theresa) have the greatest measure of inner peace. Another article began with the words "we have never had it so sad. Nineties man is more miserable than his counterparts 40 years ago", and goes on to blame the constant striving for material, career and personal success for the trend. And then, to all those wallowing in self-pity, a recent Reader's Digest article stated that one owes it to those around one to be happy - Dennis Prager wrote that being unhappy is taking the easy way out. Anyone can be unhappy. But it takes courage to achieve a happier life. A lady I met recently confirmed this. She has lost her husband and her money. Her friends drip with gold and travel overseas frequently, but she would not trade their state of mind with hers - she has struggled, but has inner peace.
So how does this all relate to Christmas and forgiveness?
Well, those struggling with issues of guilt and self-pity are not only unhappy, but can be very draining people, can't they? It is as if it is easier to feel guilty and pay penance for one's sins by leading a miserable life, than to allow God to forgive one - and, more importantly, to forgive oneself. And this relates so beautifully to what Dennis Prager said in his article. "it really is tough spending time with unhappy people, caring for unhappy children, growing up with unhappy parents".
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