The happier we are the more successful we become. When we are in a positive mindset our brains become more engaged, creative, motivated, energetic and productive.

Teaching our children how to be happy by encouraging them to instill strong habits in them is a big responsibility of all parents.

1. Be grateful: Teaching children in the world of overabundance is a daunting task. It is easy to get sucked into the consumer mentality of the society where more is better and bigger is better. An attitude which makes people run after every new gadgets and consumer products.

2. Saying no: All parents struggle to say no to their children and the ability to say no to their children appears to be long gone. Parents are so carried away by the mindset that it is their responsibility to give their children whatever they ask for without realizing the fact that what they want is not what they need. Having some expendable cash at hand doesn’t mean that you have to spend it right away. Also children lose their opportunity to appreciate what they already have and be grateful.

3. Pray together: According to a recent study more than 26 percent of the younger generation in this country is growing up with out any belief system. Secular culture is eating up the fabric of the value based society that was built into place over millennia. It is a serious threat to the existence and smooth functioning of our society. A family that prays together stays together.

4. Eat together: It is always necessary to eat together as a family. The dinner table should be a place where the family gather together to eat, feel free, share their experiences and ideas, and discuss things that would help and enhance the growth and development of all involved.

5. Act of kindness: Kindness is a skill that we can teach our children to help them find greater happiness. Acting with kindness increases the flow of the feel good chemical dopamine within the do-gooder’s brain making them feel happy. The best way to teach our children to do good things is to practice and be a model to them in our homes. Teach tolerance, highlight opportunities to give back to the community and volunteer as a family. Actively participating in activities organized by the youth group and other voluntary agencies of the Church would help.

6. Happy homes: Our brains are most receptive to new ideas and information when we are relatively stress free, happy and engaged. Happiness is crucial for critical thinking. Encouraging creative ideas from children can come in the form of including them in family decisions. All important decisions must be made by the family as one unit. Discussions should be held and different opinions considered before important decisions are made.

Happiness is much more than a feeling. “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven”. The scripture says. To be happy and joy let us lead a committed religious life lifting our eyes to the Lord our God and asking for His help through the intercession of our mother Mary, the Mother of God.

“And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver” Malachi 3:3.  A refiner of silver holds the metal in the hottest portion of the flame to remove its impurities.  All through the process he never removes his eyes from the metal until it reflects his own image.  When we suffer we seek refuge.  When we suffer we seek the cause of our suffering and ensue to end the pain.  But at times the pain is self created due to our own mistakes.  It is difficult to accept that our suffering is self-made.  This denial of our mistakes is keeping us from attaining the true goal of being one with Him who created us.  In this time of suffering we must strive to become akin to Him who suffered for us.  Our brothers and sisters are suffering at this moment.  They are persecuted and martyred for holding steadfast to the true faith.  And yet they found it in their hearts to ask for forgiveness for those who were inflicting pain.  If they are able to pray for those who caused them suffering, how may we be better followers of Christ by following the example they have set for us.  Through the process of reflection and analysis we realize that all our brothers and sisters undergo similar afflictions.  How may we help those who direly require assistance?  We are quick to judge but are we quick to understand? To forgive others brings us closer to the true everlasting love.

Let us not hide from the Light that shines so brightly but approach it and embrace Him.  Let us cleanse our impurities and face our greatest shortcomings.  We must strive to own our mistakes and to know ourselves.  Let us utilize this opportunity to improve our thoughts, actions, and words.  Let us be the light and love that the world needs.

With Love and Prayers,

Fr. Varghese P. Manikat