No promise, but

It would be nice if the God-in-love framework promised happiness, but I think it doesn't.

Daniel Haybron  of St. Louis University writes of happiness, not as pleasure (vs pain) but as an appreciation of the fulfillment of our needs as persons (vs anxiety or depression), needs such as "a sense of security, a good outlook, autonomy and control over our lives, good relationships, and skilled and meaningful activity." (New York Times, 4.13.14) His analysis seems sound: happiness as a kind of judgment (vs an event or condition).

Yet life being what it is, our safety, our moods, our freedom, our companions, our tasks are not always what we choose, don't always affirm our personhood. One of the most moving genres of story is that which tells of the discovery of fulfillment where there had seemed none; it's a tale often enough true to keep us trying, and crying.

What's on my mind, however, are those people who don't find happiness, those who are often not "in good spirits, quick to laugh and slow to anger, at peace and untroubled, confident and comfortable in [their] own skin, engaged, energetic, full of life." Many wish they were happy this way but find it unattainable; many cannot even conceive it. Many limp through life; many are raw. This 'happiness' is beyond their grasp. Let them try harder! achievers say. Give me a break.

At times, of course, we all contemplate our lives and conclude: this configuration is not satisfactory; but sometimes also, unexpectedly, we reach the opposite conclusion. I'm a happy person, but who knows now what will befall?

The dynamic space between God-in-love and the beloved Other (each seeking the best of and for the other) is expansive enough, I feel sure, to include not some, but all, even the miserable. If encounters of hospitality, friendship and exploration are the currency of that relationship, anyone can do worthwhile deeds of lasting significance, no matter their happiness status.

Does, then, the framework have any contribution to make to happiness? For me, it's a context, a program, a method, and an assurance within which and by which my life flourishes. This very blog, a new, surprisingly positive adventure, is a direct product. I'm grateful. I'm going ahead.