Neil Waite

The majority of this column is a condensed version of a recent talk about finding joy by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf.

Flying was risky in the early days of aviation. The Wright brothers knew this. And so did their father, Milton. In fact, he was so terrified of losing both of his sons in a flying accident that they promised him they would never fly together. And they never did — with one exception.

Seven years after that historic day at Kitty Hawk, Milton Wright finally gave his consent and watched as Wilbur and Orville flew together for the first time. After landing, Orville convinced his father to take his first and only flight and to see for himself what it was like.

As the plane lifted from the ground, the 82-year-old Milton got so caught up in the exhilaration of flight that all fear left him. Orville rejoiced as his father shouted with delight, “Higher, Orville, higher!”

Today, in the spirit of Milton Wright’s delighted cry, “Higher, Orville, higher,” we can also have a higher joy.

It probably goes without saying that everyone wants to be happy. Nevertheless, it also goes without saying that not everyone is happy. Sadly, it seems that for many people, happiness is hard to find.

Life is not an endless sequence of emotional highs. Feeling sad is not a sign of failure. Before we discuss how to find joy, allow me to acknowledge that depression and other difficult mental and emotional challenges are real, and the answer is not simply, “Try to be happier.” For some people, finding joy may include seeking help from trained mental health professionals who devote their lives to practicing their very important art.

Joy is the very purpose of God’s plan for his children. It’s what you were created for — “that [you] might have joy.” Our father in heaven has not hidden the path to happiness. Do you remember the woman in the New Testament who endured a bleeding illness for 12 years? She had spent all she had on physicians, but things only grew worse. She had heard of Jesus; his power to heal was well known. But could he heal her? She thought, “If I may touch but his clothes, I shall be whole.”

At last, her faith overcame her fear. She extended her hand and was healed. Aren’t we all somewhat like this woman?

Jesus taught, “Seek, and ye shall find.” If we seek reasons to be angry, to doubt, to be bitter or alone, we will find them. However, if we seek joy — if we look for reasons to rejoice and to happily follow the savior — we will find them.

Can it be that in our search for joy, the best way to find it is to bring joy to others?

We can do simple things. Like praying for someone with all our heart. Giving a sincere compliment. Helping someone feel welcome, respected, valued, and loved. Or even just by listening. Much of the joy we feel comes from the simple things in life such as saying  “please,” “thank you” and “you are welcome.”

There are many amazing people in the Powell community. I invite you to look for the good in those around you, then do the simple things that will help to bring joy to your life and to those who are with you.

(Neil Waite is 2nd Ward Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Powell.)