The Pursuit of Happiness: A Fourth of July Reflection on Faith, Freedom & Purpose

This Fourth of July carries special meaning.

As Americans, we celebrate 250 years since our nation's founding. For two and a half centuries, generations have enjoyed blessings secured through the courage, sacrifice, and faith of those who came before us.

Today, my heart is filled with gratitude.

Gratitude for the Founding Fathers who risked everything to establish a nation built upon principles of liberty. Gratitude for the brave men and women throughout our history who have defended those freedoms. Gratitude for a country where individuals are free to dream, build, worship, serve, and pursue lives of purpose.

Few blessings mean more to me than the freedom to worship Almighty God according to the dictates of my own conscience.

As a father, I am deeply grateful to raise my children in a land where faith can be taught in the home, where scripture can be studied openly, and where families can choose to follow Jesus Christ without fear of persecution.

The Declaration of Independence boldly proclaims that all people are "endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights," including "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Notice that our founders did not guarantee happiness. They guaranteed the freedom to pursue it.

In today's world, happiness is often confused with comfort, pleasure, or the absence of difficulty. But I believe happiness is something much deeper.

True happiness is not merely feeling good. It is becoming good. And good from God is within all of us. 

It is aligning our lives with truth. It is serving others. It is strengthening families. It is developing character. It is choosing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Joshua's invitation still echoes across generations:

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve." (Joshua 24:15)

From the beginning, God's plan has honored agency. He allows us to choose. He invites but does not force. He persuades but never compels.

Our national freedoms reflect that eternal principle.

We are free to choose whom we will serve, what we will become, and what kind of legacy we will leave behind.

George Washington once said:

"It is impossible to rightly govern a nation without God and the Bible."

Whether spoken in government, business, community, or family life, that principle remains true. Lasting freedom requires virtue. Liberty flourishes when people willingly choose goodness.

I have been blessed to travel throughout the world. Every nation has beautiful people. Every culture has something to admire. Yet every time I return home, I am reminded how grateful I am to live in the United States of America.

There truly is no place like home.

The opportunity to build a company like MTN OPS is itself a reflection of the freedoms we enjoy. The fact that we can openly recognize God in our values, speak about faith, encourage families, serve communities, and strive to make a positive impact is a blessing secured by generations of courageous Americans.

At MTN OPS, we often talk about "Conquering More."

To me, that pursuit is deeply connected to the pursuit of happiness.

Not the pursuit of comfort. Not the pursuit of ease. The pursuit of purpose. The pursuit of growth. The pursuit of becoming who God created us to be.

Ultimately, the pursuit of happiness leads us to the source of happiness. The source of joy. The source of hope. The source of peace. Jesus Christ.

I love something Elder Patrick Kearon recently taught:

"God is in relentless pursuit of you."

What a beautiful truth.

As we celebrate freedom this Independence Day, we also celebrate that divine pursuit. We celebrate a God who knows us, loves us, and continually invites us to come closer to Him.

This Fourth of July, may we remember the sacrifices that secured our liberty. May we express gratitude for those who came before us. May we choose goodness. May we strengthen our families. May we worship freely. And may we use our freedoms to bless the lives of others.

From all of us at MTN OPS, Happy Independence Day.

Trevor Farnes
Founder - MTN OPS