How to be Happy

CORNELIUS JAMES FITZ GERALD

The surest way to be happy is to have contentment. Many people may think that the acquisition of material things alone will bring happiness, but without the proper state of thought such things are likely to disappoint their possessor. We may sometimes consider that others are far more blessed than we are in the way of worldly wealth; but there are riches which all posses and sometimes fail to recognize. Paul gave excellent advice for enriching and uplifting thought and being happy when he said, "Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these. Regardless of bank balance or worldly station, "these things" are the riches which all may possess.

One excellent way of being happy is to help someone else to be happy. As we live by the Golden Rule we cannot fail to help all with whom we come in contact to be happy, even as we would have them help us. The attitude of self-forgetfulness, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and other admirable qualities is certain to aid in bringing happiness to others and to one's self. Being busy in this way gives one no time for discouragement and discontent; and should these claim to appear they are quickly replaced with love and joy—true riches.

We may think that the Golden Rule makes big demands, but it asks no more than we would ask for ourselves. Again, someone may say that loving an enemy is not easy, but in the light of Christian Science we learn that the enemy we need to guard against is acceptance of the argument that evil is real. It certainly would not be easy to love our so-called enemies if enmity were created by God. But we know that God made all that was made, and all that He made was good; hence, enmity is nothing more than the illusive creation of so-called mortal mind. No matter how persistently material sense testimony may argue, we have the assurance that, as Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 543), "The five corporeal senses cannot take cognizance of Spirit." Hence we cannot hold God responsible for human errors.

Freedom from worry is attained by being more loving and trusting. One who has learned love and wise toleration has achieved something really worth while; he has achieved that which benefits and blesses himself and his fellow man.

Another way to be happy is to remember one's blessings and be grateful for them. Christian Scientists have great reason for rejoicing, for no greater blessing can come to anyone than a comprehension of the divine Science which regenerates, and which destroys the mortal belief in pain, sorrow, sin, and want. Some may be privileged to serve in a Christian Science church; but those who are not so serving can rejoice that the world is benefited by their efforts to think and act correctly. One can be grateful even for being grateful, and this often opens the door of consciousness to greater blessings and other reasons for rejoicing.

In a word, the nearer we draw to God the greater and more certain will be our happiness. On page 60 of Science and Health Mrs. Eddy writes, "Soul has infinite resources with which to bless mankind, and happiness would be more readily attained and would be more secure in our keeping, if sought in Soul." As we seek "first the kingdom of God" we are brought to the storehouse that supplies all human needs. In the present seemingly abnormal conditions we are learning many useful lessons, and most important among them is the lesson that God is "a very present help in trouble." The more we turn to God for all things, including happiness, the more certain are we of obtaining an abundant supply.

One unfailing means of happiness is the attitude of being content to live one day at a time. Looking to the future with anxiety often robs us of present joy. We can use only today, and by making the best of it we shall reach tomorrow harmoniously, and go on toward the realization of eternal life, which is timeless. God is always supplying all things needful. A realization of this beautiful fact has comforted many a seeming sufferer, replacing lack with supply, and doubt and fear with happiness and contentment.

We have the same opportunity to think correctly today that we shall have tomorrow. One would not postpone a much needed relief from physical pain if he knew that he could overcome it in the present hour. The same holds true of happiness. Right now we can refuse to be dominated by any argument contrary to right thinking. We can do more for others; we can count our blessings and be grateful for them. This is today's duty, today's requirement. If we are faithful today, we shall find an abundance of happiness.

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