Happiness Level Three – Friendship

When we pursue Level Three Happiness – serving to and friendship with others, we quickly encounter internal obstacles. Our human weakness is fraught with bad inclinations: irritation, ego-sensitivities, selfishness, impatience, etc. For this reason we need a toolbox of virtues so that we  can  consistently  live  at  Level  Three.  Our  Catholic tradition provides clear and abundant  teaching  on the virtues, not to mention  the  great  exemplars  –  the  saints. We should eagerly pursue the virtues, knowing that they are our best companions for Level Three happiness.

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, lowliness, meekness, and patience, forbearing one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.

PRAYER:  Lord I choose to be compassionate and  kind.  I choose to be lowly and meek. I embrace patience, forbearance, and especially a heart of forgiveness toward those who have offended me. Grant me your grace.

APPLICATION: If anyone offends me today, I will instantly forgive the error and pray a short prayer of blessing for that person.