This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday Morning Session of the October 2005 Conference.
In this session, President Faust made a point that brought a new realization to me. He was talking about having the "light in our eyes" and the change in our countenance that comes from living close to the spirit. He said:
What are we doing to keep the light shining in our own eyes and countenances? Much of that light comes from our discipline, dedication, and consecration to some important absolutes. The foremost of these absolutes is that there is a God who is the Father of our souls to whom we account for our actions. Second, that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. Third, that the great plan of happiness requires obedience to God’s commandments. Fourth, that the greatest gift of God is eternal life.
I've always kind of assumed that Latter-day Saints look "light" because they are happy. And I have often wondered if I look happy! Sometimes I'm afraid I don't. I'm afraid my worries and fears sit heavily on me and make me look unhappy, and then I'm afraid my children (and others) will see me and think, "hmm, living the gospel of Jesus Christ must not be so great. It certainly doesn't bring my mom much happiness. She looks careworn all the time!"
The realization I had was that the light doesn't come from happiness—not directly. It comes, like Elder Faust says, from "discipline, dedication, and consecration"—from obedience to and belief in God. Those are things we can choose to do! They aren't feelings but actions. And then:
Other blessings add further to the light in our eyes. They are the gifts of the Spirit that come from the Savior. Joy, happiness, fulfillment, and peace are the gifts of the Spirit that flow from the power of the Holy Ghost.
So rather than chasing happiness, and worrying that I maybe don't seem or look "happy enough"—I should keep working on those first things (dedication and consecration in doing God's work) and let "joy, happiness, fulfillment, and peace" just…come. They will come as gifts. Not things I have to doggedly pursue, but gifts.
Does that seem like it contradicts my last post, on seeking and fighting for hope? Well…I don't think so. Because there is definitely effort and patience and persistence involved in being dedicated and consecrated, in holding onto faith against all odds. That's a continual struggle! But I like the idea that the fruits of that struggle might come more softly and freely. I like the idea that if I keep striving to be a good disciple, the joy and peace and happiness will come dawning into my life like daylight, gradual and uncoerced, but certain. And then people will see that happiness in my eyes. And they will want to seek them for themselves.
Other posts in this series:
Prepared and Strong—by Rozy
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