Unyielding Joy: Mother Teresa’s Secret to Happiness Amid Hardship

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have a deep sense of joy, no matter their circumstances? That was the question that came to mind when I first learned about Mother Teresa in high school. I remember seeing her face in a textbook—she had this radiant smile, even though she was surrounded by some of the most heartbreaking situations. I couldn’t understand it. How could someone be so joyful in the midst of so much suffering?

As I grew older and learned more about her life, I realized that Mother Teresa’s joy didn’t come from worldly success or comfort. It came from her deep, unwavering faith and her complete commitment to serving others. She found joy by giving her life away for others, especially the poorest and most forgotten.

One story that really stood out to me was when she insisted on rescuing children from a bombed-out orphanage in Beirut. Despite the danger, she believed God would provide a way—and He did. There was a ceasefire the very next day, and she was able to save those children. Her trust in God and her love for others made her fearless.

But here’s the thing: Mother Teresa also struggled. For 40 years, she felt spiritually dry, not sensing God’s presence, even as she continued to serve. Yet, she never gave up. Her happiness wasn’t dependent on feelings; it was rooted in a deep sense of purpose and love for God.

In today’s world, we often chase happiness through things like success, recognition, or comfort. But as I reflect on the gospel and the lives of saints like Mother Teresa, I see that true joy comes from serving others and following Christ’s example. It’s not about being first or getting what we want. It’s about giving ourselves away in love.

So, if you’re struggling to find joy or feeling like life isn’t going the way you planned, take a moment to think about Mother Teresa. What if happiness isn’t about what we can get, but about how much we can give? What if we already have everything we need to experience true joy, right here and now?

Let’s challenge ourselves to look at life through this lens and remember that true joy comes from loving God and serving others.