"How can you be happy in this life?" That was the question at the end of the letter. It was sent by a troubled, young woman who had read another of my stories on the internet. She had written about how she had tried all the ways popular in this world to find happiness. She had spent money, gambled, had casual sex, and tried both drugs and alcohol. All of it had only left her with pain in her heart and longing in her soul.

I answered her simply and honestly with these words. I am happy when I watch the birds flying towards the setting sun and thank God for the day. I am happy when I pet a purring cat or a devoted dog. I am happy when I eat a simple, healthy, home cooked meal. I am happy when I hear an uplifting song and sing along. I am happy when I read a story that touches my heart. I am happy when I share a smile and find it returned. I am happy when I walk my dogs on a starry night and find the man in the moon smiling down on me. I am happy when I hear the birds singing in the trees on the first day of Spring. I am happy when I see a butterfly floating by my head or feasting on a dandelion. I am happy when I sip a glass of iced tea on a hot Summer's day. I am happy when I breath in the fresh, clean air after a soaking rainfall. I am happy when I smell the Cherry blossoms on the trees in the Spring and the freshly fallen leaves in the Fall. I am happy when I hug my daughter and hear my sons' laughter. I am happy when I do a simple act of kindness that helps another. I am happy when I share a kind word and I am happy when I receive one. I am happy when I see the goodness in other people, when I see their happiness shining in their faces, and when I help to bring that goodness and happiness out of them.

Most of all I am happy when I love. I am happy when I welcome God's love into my heart and share my love with Him in return. I am happy when I love myself and when I love everyone as myself. You see, when you love you will truly be happy in this life, and when you love you will build an eternal happiness in the next. Then I wished her happiness just as I am wishing you now. May all of your days be full of love and full of joy.