If in the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson had written “the pursuit of satisfaction” rather than “the pursuit of happiness”, would we be a less selfish nation? I’m not sure how Jefferson understood happiness. If he saw it, as many seem to think, as the pleasure of the moment, then the pursuit was much too shallow. If he saw it as the deeper satisfaction of long term righteous goals and accomplishment, then it seems more substantial. Some see happiness as the absence of any pain either physical or psychological, but life can never be painless. Some pains are worth it for the reward that is attached to them. Giving birth might be in that category as some mothers have described it. The pain of grief at the loss of someone dear to us is very real, but it also marks, for many people, how dear our relationship is with the one who has passed. Physical disciple in exercise can be painful, but may still be worth the effort. Any sacrifice has at least a pinch to it even at the simplest level. Finding satisfaction even in the midst of difficulty can have far more permanence than the pleasure of the moment. The contrast to shallow happiness is like the contrast between infatuation and deep committed love. One is enjoyable but temporary. The other is lasting and fulfilling. Even with our relationship with God and others, we should seek the deep lasting satisfaction of real happiness.