True happiness is much more than having fun, said Elder Cláudio R. M. Costa of the Seventy.

Elder Costa is currently serving in Columbia, where he recently watched children playing in a park.

At first, he only noticed the kids were having fun. Later, Elder Costa discerned that the children were truly happy.

"Happiness is much more than fun," Elder Costa said. "Fun is just a fleeting moment, but happiness is a lasting thing."

When Elder Costa joined the Church, a friend of his did not understand how the Church could provide happiness when it didn't seem fun.

"My good friend did not know the difference between fun and happiness," Elder Costa said.

What provided him with happiness was learning about God's plan for his children, Elder Costa said.

Elder Costa used the story of the Prodigal Son to illustrate how having fun can be different than finding happiness. The son sought happiness in the world and ended up wanting to return to his family.

"True happiness was there in that simple life of his family," Elder Costa said.

Another illustration is the story of Fabian, a Columbian young man whose leg was amputated when he was young. Fabian serves in the Young Men's program in his stake and enjoys sports.

"He has a smiling face and is always there to help someone in need," Elder Costa said. "Fabian is truly a happy young man."