I’m reading David Brooks’ book “The Second Mountain”, which I have to say should be required reading. The section where he discusses joy vs. happiness got me thinking. I went to bed pondering those two words to find an example that would make it real for me.
Around 2 AM, I awoke with my answer. Let’s agree a 2 AM wake-up is not ideal, but here it is:
A few years ago, my wife and I went to Israel. It was our first trip and we were fortunate enough to be part of a small group of ten. For the first part of the trip we toured from Tel Aviv north, then to the Golan and south. Ten strangers became friends, or more accurately eight of us bonded (there are always the outliers).
The tour was interesting, and we were happy going from location to location, viewing, touching and tasting Israel. Our next stop was Jerusalem that was filled with diverse experiences. From floating ON the Dead Sea to Masada to riding camels. It was wonderful.
But joy came in the shape of a morning spent packing food for the poor. We entered a warehouse where we were all provided aprons, gloves, foot and head coverings and then given assignments. The job was to pack up bulk products (pasta and such) into small bags that would be given to the hungry.
I don’t know any of our group who didn’t experience joy. We gave of ourselves to help others. We did it together in common unity in the service of strangers. The experience lives with us still as we talk about it when we have our little Zoom reunions.
Where and when have you experienced joy? Please share. It’s important.
