EVERY course in life entered upon voluntarily has been chosen with the conviction that somewhere along the way, either through self-sacrifice or by personal attainment, happiness would be found. Mortals have reached out to attain wealth, fame, social position; have waged wars, nation conquering nation; have sacrificed comforts and endured hardships, always hoping, always believing, that the ultimate of effort would mean happiness. On many occasions, under many circumstances, fleeting glimpses of happiness have been gained; but never, when sought in the material realm, has it been stabilized or its nature fully understood.
Our beloved Leader, Mary Baker Eddy, writes (Message to The Mother Church for 1902, p. 17), "Happiness consists in being and in doing good; only what God gives, and what we give ourselves and others through His tenure, confers happiness." This should awaken us to banish thoughts of sorrow, discouragement, and despair; for the entertainment of such thoughts builds an impassable barrier to true happiness.
Through grievous and disappointing experiences we may learn that happiness is not essentially a reward for human endeavor, is not dependent upon environment or circumstance, but that its starting point is always spiritual, and that it is attained only as we learn the truth of being and our divine relationship with our creator. Happiness, sought and found in Soul, or God, is not a fantasy of mortal mind's creation; neither is it the cherished possession of some chosen few, but it is a permanent condition enjoyed by all of God's children. The Beatitudes, which amplify and elucidate the blessedness of spirituality, if put into practice in daily living, open the door to happiness. Practical application of the truth is the beginning of victory over every limitation. It establishes a new outlook of confidence and courage; it includes expectation of good, divine inspiration; it lights the pathway for demonstration; it strengthens gratitude for past blessings and brings a heavenly joy to all.
