We are a people that want to be happy, and we try all kinds of things to find contentment. Many times it seems the more we try, the less we feel fulfilled.

I absolutely believe in being happy. In fact, I believe we were created to be joyous people. God has given us much to enjoy. If we do not take advantage of the gift, it certainly is not the fault of the giver. How we treat the gift is in a very real sense our gift back to the giver. Life is the greatest of all gifts. God wants us to enjoy that gift. Jesus said he came that we might have life, and have it abundantly (see the Gospel of John, chapter 10, verse 10). So wanting happiness and joy in life is in our very makeup. If that is the case, why does it seem so many of us are unhappy? I think we search in the wrong places. Happiness will not be found in things. As created beings, we can only be happy doing what we were created to do and to be. True joy can only be found at the source of happiness. When we let God find us, we will find happiness. We do not need to search: God is there. The longing in our hearts is God. God already loves us.

When we choose to love God back, we will find our true joy, contentment, happiness.