"Men are that they might have joy"

2 Nephi 2:25 "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy."

Most everyone who takes LDS seminary recognizes this as a mastery scripture. Despite this scripture being on of the shortest that I memorized in Seminary, it is the scripture that I have spent the most time pondering. I believe that the words we read in the scriptures were not chosen lightly, just as the parables state something with simplicity, that has a much greater meaning. Would we feel any different if the scripture read "....men are that they might be happy"?

For me there is a distinct difference between "happy" and "Joy." While I truly believe that our Father in Heaven desires happiness for us, it was "Joy" that is the reason why we are here. Joy brings on a deeper meaning, more robust and rich than simply being happy. I think joy can grow and thrive even surrounded by sorrow. My first taste of joy and sorrow was thirteen years ago when my son Nathaniel was stillborn. I was young (23) and had experienced very little loss at that point of my life. Now my heart was broken and my world was turned upside down. Sorrow permeated ever part of my body. Though pain swirled around me, a stronger thread held fast. I felt joy and peace in my knowledge of the gospel. I knew my family had been sealed for all time and eternity in the temple. I knew of the plan of salvation and the atonement. I knew that my Father in Heaven was a kind and loving Father who loved me. I knew that His house was a house of order, and that there was a reason, even unknown unto me, that my son was still born.

So I wonder if at times we choose to search for happiness which can be fleeting and volatile instead of waiting and working for joy. Do we look for others, our husbands, wives, children, friends, to bring us happiness? Or do we serve those we love, which brings us joy? Joy I think often walks hand in hand with sacrifice. If we are unable or unwilling to sacrifice, joy is much harder to obtain. So many marriages I think get in trouble when one or both people are expecting the other to "make them happy." We get caught up in what they can't offer us. How often do we hear the complaint that men leave their socks on the floor? Seriously, this is a major source of contention for so many couples. A power struggle. But really, it takes 10 seconds for us to pick up those socks and toss them in a hamper ourselves. The result is amazing! First we are no longer annoyed by the socks on the floor. Second, we have served someone that we love. Of course it only works if we do so with a joyful heart and not a resentful angry heart. Serving my husband and my children brings me joy. Forgiving and not taking offence brings me joy. Loving these beautiful people I have been blessed to have as my family brings me joy. There are times when it is painful and my heart hurts, but I would never give up the joy I feel in exchange for a pain free, happy life.