We have a mutual friend who landed a very prestigious job in corporate America immediately after college. In the eyes of everyone around her, friends and family included, she was very successful. All the material things she wanted were either in her possession or at her fingertips, however, there was something missing on the inside; she simply was not “happy.” While she was had financial security in her current career, her passion was in the arts. She had to make a choice between financial stability and true fulfillment. What choice would you make?
I (Chanelle) experienced my happiness epiphany during my first trip back to New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina. When I returned home and was able to witness the devastation with my own eyes, it was beyond heartbreaking. I felt a deeper sense of loss and pain when I arrived at what was left of our family home. It was there where I kept all of the awards associated with the success of Trin-i-tee 5:7 over the years. As I stood in the space that used to be the family room, I saw each and every plaque, certificate and award turned upside down, buried in mud, broken or damaged beyond repair. Simply ruined. That image really brought everything home to me. This was real and our lives would never be the same. These items that meant so much to me were gone. Never to be displayed again. Close to tears, I looked around at my family members…all of them…and at that moment I had my epiphany. I was looking at my entire family, which meant God had spared us all. I may have lost a lot of material things but I had my family, right there with me. That’s when I realized what true happiness was to me…family.
Situations in life can force you to really look at what’s important. It may be a storm (literally or figuratively). It may be an empty feeling at your job or a word from a sermon that causes you to realize a life change is needed. Whatever the case may be, sometimes we need to take a look at our lives and make necessary changes to make certain that we are following our purpose in life. We are happier beings when we are in line with our overall purpose and doing what God created us to do.
We’ve been through many ups and downs in our career, but we’ve managed to survive through all of our storms because we are passionate about what we do and are very thankful to have the opportunity to do it. Happiness is here!
By the way, the friend we mentioned earlier chose to follow her heart and work in her passion. She is happier than she’s ever been.
Je Vois Aime (We Love You All)
Angel and Chanelle
-Trin-i-tee 5:7-