By Elizabeth
As I watched my friend's dad head out to
hunt a turkey this morning, briskly humming to himself, I thought, "There
is a man who does what he enjoys, and enjoys doing it." And then it struck
me that those were not mutually inclusive statements. That someone could do
what he enjoys, but not enjoy doing it.
We could be could do this for any number of reasons: we could think that the thing we enjoy is
silly, and therefore shameful; we could think it was wrong to enjoy things of
this world too much, and so feel guilty. Whether we are beating ourselves up
about it, or else slinking like a thief, the things we like to do are not
always what we like doing.
The question arises, “Is this wrong?” To
which I give a resounding “YES!” Things in this world should never be done half-heartedly, and if
pleasure is something we compromise on, then we are certainly not living life
to the full.
We need to properly enjoy life, so that
trials, sorrows, and other tribulations can offer not only a pleasant,
reassuring contrast, but can actually be experienced fully. If one area of our
life is in disorder, then more disorder follows.
So when doing the things you enjoy, ask
yourself: am I ashamed? am I guilt-ridden? am I stifling my happiness?
If the answer is yes, then ask yourself
the next question: why do I feel this way? is what I am doing actually wrong?
The answers may surprise you. Because if we take the time to stop and listen,
our conscience usually knows the answer; and if you are still unsure, ask a
priest, or someone you know will give an honest reply.
If the thing is wrong, then the reason you
do not fully enjoy it would be that your conscience never fully allowed you.
But if there is nothing actually wrong, then do not be afraid of happiness. Drink it in, revel in it, and hum briskly! After all, Christ is as much there as at any other moment – and he loves a fun time!
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