Iwant to lead a happy life, which isn’t a particularly novel aspiration. To experience some pleasure and joy in a daily way strikes me as a reasonable hope, even in seasons when life can turn brittle and hard. I don’t mean feel-good experiences that bring gratification at others’ expense, but rather a happy state of mind that derives from some of life’s wonderful pleasures.
I also want to live a life of deep meaning in which there’s a moral center: one where virtue is prized, depth of character matters, and purpose comes through serving others. In its best moments, this life of meaning gets organized less around self-centered desires and more around generous commitments that help other lives flourish.
Both of these models for life are good and full of well-being. And although they may be loosely connected with Aristotle’s concepts of hedonia and eudaimonia, my inspiration for enjoying them stems from faith and a life in Christ. I can’t imagine how much more selfish and depressing my instincts would be if I wasn’t attached to a faith community. Belonging to a congregation pushes me beyond my own interests and idolatries enough to practice living in these kinds of ways alongside other people.
