Editorial October 12, 2015 Issue

Where joy comes from

David C. Kennedy

Legend has it that the Spanish explorer Ponce de León once searched for the “fountain of youth,” in the hope of being perpetually young. Many people today are on a quest as well—to find the source of happiness. But this search isn’t a legend. It’s very real, and demonstrates a very real need. Many deeply desire to be happier than they are. Others struggle to lift themselves out of depression. The human heart so needs the fullness of joy that should, and can, be normal and natural to all of us.

Many avenues are tried in the attempt to find happiness. It’s safe to say, though, that until one’s thinking is fundamentally transformed, no amount of outward change, outward activity, outward attention poured on us, will bring lasting happiness. Nor can a drug, including alcohol, really make us happy.

Happiness is a state of thought, so the change has to come there. Just as a musty room that has long been shut up needs fresh air and sunlight, so our human outlook and consciousness need the freshness of Spirit, the joy of divine Love.

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