Finding True Happiness

[Written Especially for Young People]

JOHN L. MOTHERSHEAD

UPON his graduation from school or college, the young man or woman has many decisions to make; and many opportunities present themselves. Some students will go to other schools for further study; others will stay at home, while still others will seek remunerative work. Whichever way one may choose, there is one thing which all seek after, and that is happiness. Each one has his own niche to fill in the world.

When one seeks to express happiness, rather than look for it, one is more sure of finding it. Happiness is not to be found in material possessions. Many with great possessions are not happy, while others with few material things are often very happy. Seeking spirituality means finding happiness. When one seeks happiness selfishly, one is not likely to find it. When one tries to give others happiness, rather than to get it for himself, he is blessed by that very happiness which he seeks to give to others.

Sometimes one is tempted to follow the crowd of pleasure seekers, feeling that he should do what others do, and afraid that otherwise he will be thought different. The student of Christian Science, however, learns to be independent in his obedience to Principle. He must see clearly the joy of conforming to the law of God, good. He must stand by his vision unwaveringly, and be undismayed by the conviction others may have that the material way leads to happiness.

Mrs. Eddy, the Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, says in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 15), "Christians rejoice in secret beauty and bounty, hidden from the world, but known to God." It is this hidden beauty and happiness to which he turns. It is always at his disposal whenever it is needed. It is waiting only to be recognized. One thing, however, is more important than all others: the secret of being happy is in being loving. No one is really happy who is not loving, for happiness is founded upon Principle, and Principle is Love. It is founded on the law that as one gives he receives. Paul quotes Jesus as saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive;" and so it is, for if one gives love, he is happy. On the other hand, if he withholds love he cannot be truly happy himself. He who is loving and grateful, knows true happiness.

The individual must recognize the fact, namely, that happiness is founded upon Principle and not on person or material conditions. He must adhere to Principle as taught in Christian Science. He must obey his highest sense of good. He must learn to sing as he goes; learn to want the right and good things, and not allow himself to be careless in his thought or without definite discrimination as to right and wrong. He must not be cheated into accepting the belief that it is smart to do things he knows to be wrong. He must follow God's law as he understands it.

We read in Proverbs, "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." Here is a statement of the true nature of happiness. One must fulfill the law of good in order to be happy, and he must maintain his vision. He must not let the world destroy his vision of the spiritual and real. Jesus loved little children because of their purity and humility. The errors of the world must not be allowed to sully the spiritual vision of the good, the pure, the real. Nothing should be permitted to interfere with one's awareness of God's presence. It is to God that we must look for vision, ever fresh and pure, unsullied by doubts and fears.

Christian Science teaches that our life must be lived lovingly, that it must be founded upon Principle. Principle is not hard and cold, for it is divine Love. It is expressed in active, joyous giving, fulfilling the law of God. One gets out of life just what he puts into it. So, to be happy, one must put happiness into whatever one does, whether it is sewing, washing dishes, singing, swimming, playing tennis, or riding a horse. One must find one's happiness in loving living, in helping others.

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