“The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it.”
- August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997
- Albanian
- Catholic nun and saint
- Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in supporting the poor, sick, and orphans
Quote
“The miracle is not that we do this work, but that we are happy to do it.”
Explanation
Mother Teresa’s quote draws attention to the true miracle in life: finding joy in selfless service. She suggests that the real wonder is not in the work itself, but in the ability to find happiness in serving others, especially in the most challenging circumstances. Often, people view helping others as a duty or something to be done out of obligation, but Mother Teresa believed that the miracle of service lies in the attitude with which we approach it. When we give to others with joy and gratitude, the work itself becomes a source of fulfillment rather than a burden.
For Mother Teresa, the happiness she found in serving others was deeply connected to her faith. Her love for God and humanity fueled her desire to serve with joy, despite the immense hardships she faced in caring for the poor, sick, and dying. Her work was not just about the physical tasks at hand, but about offering love and compassion in every act, which in turn filled her with a deep sense of peace and purpose. Her life was a testament to the idea that when our actions are grounded in love and faith, they become a source of joy rather than exhaustion.
In today’s world, this quote challenges us to find purpose and happiness in the work we do, especially when it involves helping others. Whether it’s a job that requires hard work or a volunteer effort, approaching it with joy and gratitude can transform our experience. For example, someone who works in a healthcare setting might find joy in providing comfort to patients, or a volunteer at a food bank might feel fulfillment in offering meals to those in need. The miracle is in the attitude we bring to our service, turning acts of kindness into sources of joy for ourselves and those we serve.
