Joy, unlike happiness, prefers to veil itself with quietness, as though it is shy. Joy is not shy, joy simply arises from the depths of Life and has no need to call attention to itself. Joy is its own contentment. This is a reason joyful beings can be so gently present to others, saying so much without saying anything. Even the unassuming walk of the joyful person, or his or her silent look, speaks more than could ever be put into words. Pleasure never lasts, coming and going, while joy, birthless and deathless, is a quality of the Eternal.

*Arem Nahariim-Samadhi

I visited a woman whom I had never met. Her name was Minnie. Minnie lived in a care facility. She had one leg amputated about four years prior and since had lived in the facility.

A nurse moved Minnie from the dining room into the hall, so she and I could meet. I bent over and placed my hand on Minnie's shoulder. I introduced myself, and we talked a while. Amazing, in her eyes, as I saw also her tongue protrude again and again from her mouth, beyond her control, I saw and felt a wellspring of joy. Her smile was radiant. We shared prayer. I left changed, renewed physically and mentally, when previously weary.

I never saw Minnie again. Yet, I remember her, after many years. Through her aging and broken form, Light begraced me with Life, and I left renewed by Joy.

* * *

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

*Jesus, Gospel of John (ESV)