Genuine happiness feels so hard to find sometimes—but maybe if we slow down a bit and consider our lives with gratitude, we can be “made glorious.”
Everyone wants to experience happiness—but sometimes we get so caught up in searching for it that we forget to appreciate what we already have. We often focus on what we think we need in order to be happy: a promotion, a boyfriend or girlfriend, a snack, a vacation. However, happiness often isn’t about getting what we want, but rather appreciating what we have.
In his talk “Hallmarks of Happiness,” Elder Gary B. Sabin, an Emeritus Seventy, discusses some key ways to find genuine happiness. He talks about seeking Jesus, remembering our divine identity, having an eternal perspective, and being grateful.
“When nothing is expected and everything is appreciated, life becomes magical,” Elder Sabin says. God cares about his children and is invested in our lives. He provides opportunities for peace, growth, joy, and refuge according to his infinite wisdom. Taking time to notice his handiwork can make a big difference in how we feel. It can change envy, despair, and a lack of motivation into serenity, happiness, and an energetic zest for life.
God declares, “He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious,” (Doctrine and Covenants 78:19). By appreciating enormous blessings, mini miracles, and even ordinary things we often take for granted, we become full of the glory of God. Life takes on more meaning, and though trials may persist, it’s easier to feel happiness as we recognize all that God has already done for us.
What if we woke up tomorrow with only the things that we expressed gratitude for today? If that happened to me a few days ago, I’d be left with only a few of the things I care so much about. “You will never be happier than you are grateful,” Elder Sabin says. If we take some time today to consider how God has blessed us, we may find our attitudes changing.
Find out more about how to find genuine happiness by reading Brother Gary E. Sabin’s full talk, “Hallmarks of Happiness.”
Source: General Conference
—June Cazier, Latter-day Saint Insights
FEATURE IMAGE BY FIKU MIKU
Find more insights
Read more about gratitude in President Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s general conference talk “Grateful in Any Circumstances.”
Check out Elder John D. Amos’s general conference talk “The Good News Recipe” to learn about how seeking the Savior brings joy.
I love this message! It inspires me to express my gratitude more often. Thank you for sharing!