by Claudia Windal

Created on: September 03, 2008

Several times each day, I check this site to see what questions are on the minds of other writers regarding religion, spirituality, church, faith and the like. The questions themselves often reflect a depth of spiritual understanding that is mind boggling to me!

I think of the lives of the saints and realized that many of them were extremely happy individuals. As a Franciscan, I first consider St. Francis of Assisi. He followed the "Sell everything you have, give to the poor, and come follow me." He sang a thanksgiving for creation, he greeted the smallest of animals, he engaged his followers in dialogue and share prayer with them. "He was a saint," you might respond. Yes, and we are all called to become saints although not everyone will achieve that union with God.

A friend of mine is severely disabled. Although she does not regularly attend a church, she prays and puts her prayer into action in all ways that she is able. In being able to work with individuals with low incomes and in need of home health care, she coordinates nursing professionals for them as if they were her parents or siblings and she laughs with them when they need a "pick me up" and when times seem especially good. Her scheduled work hours are 8-4 and she often remains in the office until late in the evening, and returns early many mornings. This is a woman who is happy because she is holy. She lives with the belief that God is walking right along side of her and she believes that she is able to be a visible presence of God in the world.

Whether or not we believe in God, I am convinced that we are all called to holiness as well as happiness. I have known men and women living with HIV/AIDS and who often can barely get up in the morning, make the effort to shower, dress, and volunteer at an HIV/AIDS organization where they work with clients who have a variety of needs. They do this both because they are happy and their selflessness evidences their holiness.

Holiness does not necessarily equate with sainthood! Many very holy and happy people surround us and they will never be recognized by any church body as saints. They are the people who exude cheerfulness and speak to you as you pass by one another on a busy sidewalk. They are the people who take an extra second or two to let you make a left turn. They are the people who keep you in their prayers asking God to assist you in making a decision, seeking medical help, passing an exam, healing a wounded marriage, and a multitude of other prayer

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