Finding Happiness

Sometimes we have to do hard things. Perhaps we think we can't do them, we shouldn't do them, or we just plain won't do them. When we shirk our responsibilities we feel guilt, frustration, unease. Surely, this is not the path to happiness.

“The scriptures make the danger of delay clear. It is that we may discover that we have run out of time. The God who gives us each day as a treasure will require an accounting. We will weep, and He will weep, if we have intended to repent and to serve Him in tomorrows which never came or have dreamt of yesterdays where the opportunity to act was past. This day is a precious gift of God. The thought “Someday I will” can be a thief of the opportunities of time and the blessings of eternity.” (Henry B. Eyring, “This Day,” Ensign, May 2007, 89–91)

The Savior, our great Exemplar, knew Himself how important it was not to procrastinate. He said: “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.” (John 9:4) And to encourage us, the Savior said: “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me.” (Proverbs 8:17)

Elder Eyring teaches us that if we will say our prayers in the morning, we can be shown what is important for us to do that day. What a great tool that is for us! A moment on your knees at the dawn of the day can lighten your load, guide your steps, and lead you to happiness. But, Elder Eyring admonishes “we must be ready to act, without delay, to perform even the most humble service.”

“On many days, doing what matters most will not be easy. It is not supposed to be. God’s purpose in creation was to let us prove ourselves. The plan was explained to us in the spirit world before we were born. We were valiant enough there to qualify for the opportunity to choose against temptation here to prepare for eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. We rejoiced to know the test would be one of faithful obedience even when it would not be easy: “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” (Abraham 3:25)”.

Happiness is doing today what you can do today. You don't have to do it all today; just do something. Pray to know what is most important and when you receive that guidance, act. Elder Eyring promises that “[a]s you serve Him, you will come to know better the voice by which you shall be called. When you go to sleep at the end of a day, the words may come back in memory: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things.”(Matt. 25:21)”.