“To live well myself is my first and essential contribution to the well-being of all mankind and to the fulfillment of man's collective destiny. If I do not live happily myself how can I help anyone else to be happy, or free, or wise?” – Thomas Merton
The question one must ask after reading a quote like the above is “how does one live happily?” What makes for a truly happy, satisfying, fulfilling, and meaningful life? Too many people want the shortcut to happiness, but there is none. Happiness, a life of joy, hope, and contentment, does not come easy. However, to make the greatest contribution to the good of humankind, to be used by God to bless people and leave a lasting impact, one needs to unravel the mystery of happiness.
Some make the connection between what the ancient Greeks meant when they spoke of happiness and what Jesus meant when he spoke of blessedness. Many Bible translators even use the word “happy” where others use “blessed” in Jesus’ Beatitudes in Matthew 5. To live the blessed life, the happy life, is to know God, know God’s purpose for you, and to spend your time and energy fulfilling God’s purpose. This is the heart of happiness.
I am convinced God put us here to be happy. He doesn’t want a bunch of miserable, stressed out, agitated, cranky saints. As a matter of fact, those terms have no business modifying the word “saint.” A saint is one who is happy, holy, and healthy.
Flourishing Life 
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