Joy is everlasting. I’m a failure at being able to instantly recall biblical passages to know from where this comes, and embarrassed to Google it because I should know its source. The quote comes to me as I hear of a friend’s death and wonder how does one keep our inner joy in the midst of sorrow. How do we remain in place when we are bombarded by minor irritations and oncoming depression. Well each of us has an eternal fountain in our soul, and no man or circumstance can cease its flow. The fountain’s source is God.
God’s joy is unaffected and unchanged by things external. If external things are the source of our joy then they also have to power to destroy our joy. If we drink from the soul’s fountain we will not be sad at times and joyful at others, depending on the whims of outside influence and the whims of fate. Instead Joy is everlasting.
Dear Webb,
Loved your entry today, but I disagree with part of it. Our Sufi teachers tell us to find our internal ignition for our ideal (which you clearly have done), and then to set our intentions and goals from that place… And then never give in to the thought or possibility of failure. Gather the lessons along the way to strengthen our quest.
All this to say there is NO WAY you are a failure at anything reflecting your ideal or goals! All I’m seeing is your success!
Your friend
Tom