A Legacy of Joy

Joy is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. There are many activities that result in joy, some more helpful than others, but there is no misunderstand the feeling. Our quest for joy often leads us in directions that result in pain and suffering. If we are paying attention to our activities we may learn which of them most often brings about the desired result. The simplest activities often end in a joyful experience for all concerned. Let us consider kindness, this tells others they are important, and they are worth our time and energy. Kindness addresses more than the mind of others, it becomes transforming, reaching in to their soul. At the same time, kindness changes the life of the person expressing it.

Let us consider we are not permanent residents of this earth. Like those that came before us, we will eventually release our hold on matter, and departing this physical existence. How will the world have been changed by our having passing through it? What will be different as the result of our having, for a while, walked in flesh and bone? If we bring joy in to the experiences of those we contact, we will not only have changed their lives but the lives of those they touch. Thus, the world will never again be the same as when we found it. Possibly the greatest mark any of us can make on this world is to leave behind a legacy of joy. Such a bequest may well justify a lifetime in the earth.

We are incredibly resilient creatures, and no matter how we live, we can change. To be kind to those we meet takes no special skills, no preparation, and no unique qualifications. We are “hard wired” for kindness, and it is a natural soul quality. To consider others important enough for our attention, to simply care about them, and to show it is an incredible demonstration of kindness. It is a simple concept but a very difficult form of behavior to maintain. A kind word, a kind deed can change the world and often does, even though we do not see it.

Let us resolve to be kind, to be gentle, to be compassionate, and to leave the world a far more joyful place than we found it. We need not have built cities, climbed mountains, or amassed fortunes, just to have transformed lives, one person at a time, through simple acts of kindness. When we have finally moved on from this world may it be said, we left a permanent legacy of joy in our place.

2 Responses to “A Legacy of Joy”

1. Elaine Singer says:

   December 19, 2011 at 7:51 pm

   AGREED! Happy Chanukah.
2. Harvey Green says:

   December 20, 2011 at 8:30 am

   Aloha dear friend, thank you for your kindness and Happy Chanukah…