Happiness vs. Joy.

Because I've often wondered how, in the words of someone far more articulate than I, "joy can be effervescent in a person whose circumstances look bleak and how joyless a person can be in spite of great blessing. How many times have we seen a person in a wheelchair just beaming, and a wealthy, healthy person just plain miserable?"




From disciplegideon's blog:

Happiness comes when things go your way; joy flows despite things not going your way.

Happiness comes when circumstances are favorable; joy comes regardless of circumstances.

Happiness is fleeting and based on emotion; joy is permanent and not based on emotions.

Happiness is a never-ending pursuit; joy is a never-ending rest.

Happiness comes from natural, tangible sources; joy comes from supernatural, intangible sources.

Happiness comes when you are loved; joy comes when you love others.

Happiness feeds the soul; joy feeds the spirit.

Happiness is in finding what pleases you; joy is in finding what pleases another.

Happiness is a goal; joy is a gift.

Happiness can be earned and strived for; joy cannot be earned.

Happiness is a personal quest with diminishing returns; joy is a selfless quest that is ever-growing.

Happiness can come at the expense of another; joy comes as we pour ourselves into another.

Happiness is temporary; joy is permanent.

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