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I wish to discuss our search for happiness. Having lived quite a few years now, I have concluded that since we don’t always desire that which is good, having all our desires granted to us would not bring us happiness (see Alma 41:3–7). In fact, instant and unrestrained gratification of all our desires would be the shortest and most direct route to unhappiness. The many hours I have spent listening to the tribulations of men and women have persuaded me that both happiness and unhappiness are much of our own making.

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About four months ago, I received the assignment to serve in Bogotá, Colombia, and moved there. One day, as I was trying to find the way to my new ward’s meetinghouse, I stopped at a park to ask for directions.

I could see many families enjoying a pleasant sunny morning. I stood there for a while watching the children as they cheerfully played in the park. They had a special glow in their countenances; their cheeks were flushed from the sun and from the effort they made to run and play together. They were all very friendly with each other.

I could tell they were really having fun. As I watched them closely, I realized that, more than having a fun time, those pure little children were truly happy.

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41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.

13 And if there be no righteousness there be no happiness. And if there be no righteousness nor happiness there be no punishment nor misery.

10 Do not suppose, because it has been spoken concerning restoration, that ye shall be restored from sin to happiness. Behold, I say unto you, wickedness never was happiness.

“I return to the Prophet Joseph’s words: ‘Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.’ Let us walk these clearly defined paths. To help us do so we can follow the shortest sermon in the world. It is found on a common traffic sign. It says, ‘Keep right.’”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

“Happiness, to me, lies in stretching, to the farthest boundaries of which we are capable, the resources of the mind and heart.”

(Leo Rosten, This Week Magazine, 20 Jan. 1963, p. 2.) As quoted by Barbara B. Smith, Ensign, May 1982, 79

“All of us desire to be happy. The Prophet Joseph Smith captured our true feelings when he declared: ‘Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God.’”

Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Oct 1993, 2

“Find happiness in ordinary things, and keep your sense of humor.”

Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 2004, 77