“Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.”
This quote is by Helen Keller, a woman who, although becoming both deaf and blind when she was very young, learned to speak, read, and write and became a well-known author, presenter, and philanthropist.
Keller’s words emphasize the importance of having a sense of purpose. In addition to it leading to true happiness, as she says, I would add that it also leads to a sense of peace and to a more meaningful life. As I contemplate Keller’s words, I believe that what she calls true happiness refers to a genuine, deep happiness that is based on something of value, as compared to the more light-hearted happiness that we experience from time to time.
Keller also stresses that self-gratification does not lead to true happiness. Keller lived from 1880 to 1968 and therefore she wasn’t as surrounded by the media and advertising as we are today. Many aspects of our culture, media, the internet, and advertising encourage us to prioritize obtaining items and having experiences that we want, suggesting that that is what causes us to be happy. However, many people have found through personal experience that being able to have many material possessions may initially make them feel happy, but it is a transient happiness, not a true happiness. And they feel an emptiness as a result. Thankfully, this experience helps many women and men to realize the importance of finding purpose in their lives.
There are many ways that we can experience a sense of purpose. Some are by helping others by sharing our time and abilities with them; doing our best to be good parents and grandparents; and contributing financially to and/or volunteering at organizations that support valuable causes.
Having a sense of purpose is vital to living life well. Trying to discern those things our Creator wants us to do and then trying our best to act upon what we discern lead us to those “worthy purposes” to which Keller refers.