While sorting cucumbers for making pickles today my friend asked, “don’t you ever get tired of being so happy -happy all the time?”

Biting into a small crisp cucumber and picking up a stem of dill to wave the sharp fragrance in the air, I paused.

And pondered: well, my volunteer work, and my life’s work was dedicated to helping those suffering from severe trauma heal and claim their life. There is unimaginable pain running amuck. For individuals, children, families, and our world, I experience great anguish.

My heart has always responded with hope and rejoicing for all the good and greatness which so majestically arises from those I’ve known. Despite the suffering of individuals and systems of inequality that have plagued humanity — I see the goodness, kindness, and generosity in the ordinary person everywhere.

“No, I never get tired of being happy.”