James Poll

Faith, Family, Humanity: Husband, Father, Grandpa, Son, Brother, Friend, Patriot, Army Veteran, Constitutionalist, Student at Plymouth State University, High School Seminary Teacher, HR Professional, Outdoors, Recreation and Mountain Bike Enthusiast, BYU Fan

We live in a complex word that is in conflict on multiple levels. In the end I want the same thing that I am convinced EVERYONE wants. Who doesn't want TO BE HAPPY!? I do. The problem is, we all have different ideas on just how we achieve that illusive state of bliss.

People may look for it by acheiving wealth, accumulating possessions, through health, exercise and spirtiual balance, How about sports, recreation, nature, helping others. There is religious practice and career success/personal achievement. We can engage in the political process to change the world or our little corner of it,. How about sexuality, being in love or having a family, social life, social acceptance, partying and stimulants. There is no shortage of ways for people to seek to be "happy", but it seems few there be that find it -or at least few seem to find lasting happiness. Economies fail, health fails at times, and we cannot stop the incessant march of time or the ailments that accompany aging. I submit that we live in a word in chaos, and all to often with hate and rage.

I derive a great deal of happiness from my family. I am in love with the ideal wife, for the most part I have loving children, step children and extended family. I have 5 grandchildren who live thousands of miles away. Yet oft times, I struggle with the choices some of them make or worry about the veritiable minefield of a world in which my children and grandchildren live. I worry if it will overcome them. I love them unconditionally and want the best for them but can not "control" or compel them to make the choices I think are for their best. Yet we have a deep and abiding mutal love. On the other hand, even those who love me most unitentially may hurt me. None of us are perfect.

I love God. God is perfect. God is love. In all my life experience it is the only source of happiness that has NEVER failed me. Unlike any other source of happiness in my life, this is the only pure spring from which I have an unlimited supply of happiness. I can drink deeply as I want, and often as I choose. No doubt, there are distractions I let get between that spring of life and me. But it all depends on me.