Who is the happiest of men? He who values the merits of others,
and in their pleasure takes joy, even as though t’were his own.
~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, German writer and Politician

One of my fellow bloggers commented today about the beauty in one of my posts and said she needed the joy.  It was such a blessing to know that I had spread some joy in the life of another.  So tonight I thought I would share some thoughts about joy.  And since this week is A.A. Milne’s birthday I decided to use some illustrations from his book to help do that.  Milne was the English author who brought so much joy not only to children but also to those of us fortunate enough to have read the Winnie the Pooh stories to our children.

Joy is not in things; it is in us.  ~Richard Wagner, German composer

The sun does not shine for a few trees and flowers, but for the wide world’s joy.  ~Henry Ward Beecher, Congregational minister

Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.  ~Thich Nhat Hanh, Vietnamese Monk and Writer

He who has never looked on sorrow will never see joy.  ~Kahlil Gibran, Lebanese born American philosophical Essayist, Novelist, Poet

Joy is the net of love by which you can catch souls.  ~Mother Teresa, Missionary

Joy delights in joy.  ~William Shakespeare, English Dramatist, Playwright, Poet

But let all who take refuge in you(God) rejoice; let them ever sing for joy.  Spread your protection over them, so that those who love your name may exult you.  ~Psalm 5:10-12  ✝