If you ask anyone what is life's greatest pleasure, it's likely you'll get one of the following answers (in one form or another): Love, Sex, Food, Wine, Work.
Well, the problem with the above list is that it's neither practical nor lasting, eg. love is far too abstract, you can't have sex 24/7, you gotta watch your waistline with food, wine needs appropriate times and environment, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...
Obtaining pleasure that is practical and lasting is certainly far more difficult than expected on deeeper introspection! But I believe I have found the elusive answer...
I believe the greatest practical lasting pleasure in life is to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be a earth-shattering difference - it is quality not magnitude that matters here.
It's practical because it can be done in several ways anywhere and anytime, limited only by our imagination: a simple smile, a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, a gracious act, an earnest prayer, a listening ear, a helping hand, a loving expression etc.
It's lasting because it's not based on our senses, feelings and circumstances but the ageless knowledge that we've brighten up the life of a fellow human being.
Well, the problem with the above list is that it's neither practical nor lasting, eg. love is far too abstract, you can't have sex 24/7, you gotta watch your waistline with food, wine needs appropriate times and environment, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy...
Obtaining pleasure that is practical and lasting is certainly far more difficult than expected on deeeper introspection! But I believe I have found the elusive answer...
I believe the greatest practical lasting pleasure in life is to make a difference in someone's life. It doesn't have to be a earth-shattering difference - it is quality not magnitude that matters here.
It's practical because it can be done in several ways anywhere and anytime, limited only by our imagination: a simple smile, a kind gesture, a thoughtful word, a gracious act, an earnest prayer, a listening ear, a helping hand, a loving expression etc.
It's lasting because it's not based on our senses, feelings and circumstances but the ageless knowledge that we've brighten up the life of a fellow human being.
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)
"You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love." (Galatians 5:13)
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