What will make us happy?

The ego thinks it is an advantage not to commit itself to anything that is eternal, because the eternal must come from God. Eternalness is the one function the ego has tried to develop, but has systematically failed to achieve. The ego compromises with the issue of the eternal, just as it does with all issues touching on the real question in any way. By becoming involved with tangential issues, it hopes to hide the real question and keep it out of mind. The ego’s characteristic busyness with nonessentials is for precisely that purpose. Preoccupations with problems set up to be incapable of solution are favorite ego devices for impeding learning progress. In all these diversionary tactics, however, the one question that is never asked by those who pursue them is, “What for?” This is the question that you must learn to ask in connection with everything. What is the purpose? Whatever it is, it will direct your efforts automatically. When you make a decision of purpose, then, you have made a decision about your future effort; a decision that will remain in effect unless you change your mind. T-4.V.6: 1 - 11

A Course in Miracles . Foundation for Inner Peace. Kindle Edition. 

The ego loves to keep us distracted and always looking for the next big thing. It seems there is always something. If we would like to be more centered and focus on what really matters, we should ask ourselves before deciding on anything, “What is this for? What is its purpose?”

Unitarian Universalism encourages us to affirm and promote the free and responsible search for truth and meaning but doesn’t help us much if we were to ask what is this search for truth and meaning for? 

As the Cindy Lauper song said, “Girls just want to have fun.” When people are asked what they want out of life for themselves and their loved ones, they most likely say, “To be happy.” If you ask “What will make you and them happy?” they pause and often seem somewhat perplexed.

Today, it is suggested that what will make us happy is unconditional love. And the question is where can this unconditional love be found? It is not in the world of the ego, but rather in the world of the soul.