They're Not Really Happy

1 Nephi 8: 24-25:

"And it came to pass that I beheld others
pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of
iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the
rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the
tree.

And after they had partaken of the fruit of the
tree they did cast their eyes about as if they were
ashamed."

The last verse really struck me. People who did the right thing; who held strong onto the iron rod, and were able to partake of the fruit, acted as if they were ashamed when they saw all of the people in the "great and spacious building." I feel like that sometimes, too.
Trying to do the right thing and keep the commandments is not an easy task. especially in the world we're living in today. I can't count how many times I've seen people that are so close to me become manipulated into thinking that they'd actually be happier if they didn't have so many restrictions on what they can or can't do, that worldly pleasures would bring much more happiness than doing what we know to be right.
Wickedness NEVER was [never will be] happiness.
I know that being obedient to the Lord's commandments brings so many blessings unto us. I know the goodness of God and also the mercy he has on his children. I know that partaking of that fruit will be so much more fulfilling than the short-term gratification that comes from sin.
So why should we feel ashamed?
I am promised in my Patriarchal Blessing that I will have the occasion to speak to my friends about the gospel. It goes on to say, be not afraid and show by your actions the love you have of this Gospel.
I think the reason we might feel ashamed, is that we are afraid to do what is right when everyone around us isn't. That's why it has always been so important for me to choose my friends wisely. I struggled with this for a couple of years, and I saw how unhappy I was when I followed what my friends were doing, just because I was afraid (or ashamed) to do the right thing. Being the minority is definitely a challenge.

The Lord gives us strength to overcome the adversary if we ask for it. He will provide a way for us to be happy if we allow Him in our lives. Happiness that only comes from choosing the right. Happiness that is everlasting and eternal.

"To those of you who are inching your way closer and closer to that great and spacious building, let me make it completely clear that the people in that building have absolutely nothing to offer except instant, short-term gratification inescapably connected to long-term sorrow and suffering. The commandments you observe were not given by a dispassionate God to prevent you from having fun, but by a loving Father in Heaven who wants you to be happy while you are living on this earth as well as in the hereafter."
-Glenn L. Pace (New Era, June 1988)