Searching for Happiness

                Millions of people are searching for happiness in life. Some people search for happiness in alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Others search for happiness in material goods. Still others seek happiness in extreme sports. Only a few of the billions of people who live upon the earth know where to find true happiness.

                President Thomas S. Monson spoke about “The Perfect Path to Happiness” in the October 2016 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He spoke about his experience of attending the World’s Fair in New York City in July 1964. He visited the Mormon Pavilion at the fair and watched a showing of the Church’s film Man’s Search for Happiness.  This movie is a portrayal of God’s plan of happiness and salvation for His children. It is now a Church classic.

                I encourage you to watch this short video (about 13 minutes long). I have not watched it for several years, and I learned – or relearned – something when I watched it this morning. When we left our pre-mortal life to come to earth, a veil was placed over our memories of our previous life. None of us remember clearly what it was like to live in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. When we leave this life, we will remember everything we say and do while living here on earth. I learned that we will also remember our pre-earth life, something that I have not considered recently.

                After sharing his experience President Monson said, “Our Father’s plan for our happiness and our salvation is shared by our missionaries throughout the world. Not all who hear this divine message accept and embrace it. However, men and women everywhere … recognize its truths, and they plant their feet on the path that will lead them safely home. Their lives are forever changed.

                “Essential to the plan is our Savior, Jesus Christ. Without His atoning sacrifice, all would be lost. It is not enough, however, merely to believe in Him and His mission. We need to work and learn, search and pray, repent and improve. We need to know God’s laws and live them. We need to receive His saving ordinances. Only by so doing will we obtain true, eternal happiness.

                “We are blessed to have the truth. We have a mandate to share the truth. Let us live the truth, that we might merit all that the Father has for us. He does nothing save it be for our benefit. He has told us, `This is my work and my glory – to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’

                “From the depths of my soul and in all humility, I testify of the great gift which is our Father’s plan for us. It is the one perfect path to peace and happiness both here and in the world to come.”

                If you are searching for happiness, I hope you will read the address of the living prophet of God on earth, even President Monson. I urge you to watch the video, Man’s Search for Happiness. I know that God has a plan for the happiness of all of His children. This plan is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.