HAPPINESS BEGINS WHEN THE EGO DIES

There are no plains in the spiritual life.
We do not just climb a few paces through rough roads
and then finally come to a land of contentment.

Rather, we reach only a momentary clearing;
the bushes, thorns and briars still lie ahead
to cut and bruise the flesh
the occasional danger of slipping back now and then
is every present.

The struggle for happiness is conditional
upon having a wrestling match with ourselves
"Take up your cross daily" Scripture tells us.

But there is a peace and a joy
about the pursuit of Divine Happiness.
Each trial and struggle has its strength
as grace pours in from heaven above.
Our strength and patience come from the great reservoirs
into which the sluice gates of heaven open.

Happiness begins when the ego dies.