In 1938, Harvard started what would be an 85-year-old study to find out what makes people happy in life. The researchers gathered 724 participants from all over the world and asked detailed questions about their lives every two years. The result? It was not career achievement, money, exercise, or a healthy diet. The most significant aspect of their lives that kept them happy was positive relationships. The reality though, is that what makes us happiest, can also break our hearts. 

In the Gospel, Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman who had five husbands and was living with someone who was not her husband. Without expounding on the life of the woman, we know that it was one broken relationship after the other. Obviously, she was looking for happiness and thirsty for love. That is why she asked Jesus for the Living Water, which is none other than God. 

Three things with God, that can help change our heartbreak to happiness:

1. Forgiveness. When we forgive, it is not about the other party. It is about our own self taking away the anger and the desire for revenge, that then allows us to move on.  Yes, there are relationships that teach us how to love, and there are also relationships that teach us to forgive and move on. 
   
2. Healing. Many of our wounds were inherited during our childhood. In fact, we even promise ourselves, “I will not be like that when I grow old”. Eventually, though, the victim often becomes the victimizer. That is why we need God to help us heal the wounds within. Especially those that we experienced during childhood when we were most vulnerable. 
   
3. Peace. Realizing the fear of the disciples when Jesus appeared to them after his resurrection, he greeted them, “Peace be with you.” Fear typically turns to anger when one is in a situation where he or she doesn’t know what to do. We know how damaging anger can be in a relationship. Hence, we always pray for the peace of Christ. It is beyond human understanding to accept that everything happens for a reason and purpose. He assures us there is good that comes out of every situation, no matter how hurtful and painful.

That is why today we remember the saying, “God will mend a broken heart if you give Him all the pieces.”