2 Nephi 2:25

"Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."

I am reading in 2 Nephi right now and came across this profound scripture that is so often quoted in the church. Often I feel like we talk so much of the trials and tribulations that are required in this life for us to make it back to the Father. It feels that we forget that the entire purpose for our existence is happiness.

Merriam-Webster (Joy):
1 a: the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight; b: the expression or exhibition of such emotion : gaiety; 2: a state of happiness or felicity : bliss; 3: a source or cause of delight

The footnote in the scriptures refers to "Man, Potential to Become Like Heavenly Father". So is it simply the knowledge of our godly potential that gives us joy? Or is it perhaps that when we become like Heavenly Father, then we will find joy? Does that mean that we cannot have true joy until we are perfect? It is probably a little bit of both. Surely this life is not meant to be all hardship and suffering. The plan of happiness cannot mean that happiness is only to be found at the end of the journey, like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. On the other hand, my own imperfections, my weaknesses, my constant failings and shortcomings, are all sources of unhappiness and hardship in my life. I feel to bemoan my weak flesh just as Nephi did.

2 Nephi 4:17-19
"O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted."

I find immense comfort in the fact that Nephi, a valiant servant of the Lord, a prophet of God, could speak so passionately about the sorrow he experiences as a result of his own weaknesses. I am not so naive to believe that his weaknesses are evenly remotely as numerous as my own. Yet, it is obvious that he is keenly aware of them, just as I am. So it makes perfect sense that when we eventually do become perfect, even as He is, then we will find true joy, everlasting happiness. But in the meantime, I will content myself with the struggle toward perfection and will seek out the joy available to me, a daughter of God, in this earthly life.