Forced to be Unhappy?

     In his book, "The Holy Longing," author Ronald Rolheiser writes, "Some of Christianity's harshest critics have suggested that what is wrong with it is that it sets itself the absurd task of teaching happy people to be unhappy so that it can minister to their unhappiness."

     As far as I can tell people are unhappy for a variety of reasons.  Some of the reasons might have to do with family of origin issues, job stress, socio-economic concerns, etc.  Any one of us could probably come up with our own list personalized to our unique situation.
     What is apparent to me is that Christianity doesn't have to seek out anyone to make them unhappy in order to lead them out of their unhappiness.  We are unhappy enough!
     What the reality of living does tell me, however, is that not every day can be a pleasant one nor every illness receive a cure or even every utility bill be reasonable.  Life and living is fraught with struggle and sometimes the struggle is great.
     Perhaps the key to living a life of faith or being centered and balanced is to find that in the midst of pain and suffering, doubt and cynicism that God became a human being to bring witness to the realization that everyone has sacred worth and value regardless of one's station in life.  We are not forced into being unhappy but are given an opportunity to find hope in the midst of whatever life brings us.  We find direction.  We discover new life.  We claim true happiness.

We are together in the journey.