Be happy anyway

Most kids can think of something they'd like to be different, whether it's getting a dog, spending more time with your dad or having a mean kid be nicer to you.

No one's life is perfect. But in this week's Gospel (Matthew 5:1-12), Jesus reminds us of something important: We can be happy anyway!

"Be happy if you have to work hard to stay close to God," said Jesus. "God's kingdom, heaven, belongs to you. Don't worry if you're sad; God will comfort you. Be happy if you're humble and want to follow God; God will be close to you. Be happy if you forgive other people; God will forgive you. Be happy if you work for peace; you'll be called children of God! Even if people hurt you for believing in God, be happy, because you'll go to heaven."

The people Jesus was talking to in the Gospel story had problems, too. The leaders of their country wouldn't let everyone pray the way they wanted to, and it made some people sad. Others were even punished for not worshiping God the same way their leaders did. Some people were upset about a relative dying or feeling lonely.

When things don't seem fair and you feel angry, wondering why you don't get what you want, the best thing to do is talk to other people who look happy. You'll find out even they have things they'd like to change, too, but they've decided to be happy anyway.

That's what Jesus told us. He said that even if everything seems to go wrong, we can still choose to be happy. We're never alone, because we have people all around us -- and because God is always there to help us feel better!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, when I'm grumpy, help me remember everyone has problems -- and you're there for all of us! Amen.