She sat, dressed in white, on a raised dais.

She was over 70 but looked much younger. She had virtually no lines in her face. She had a beautiful smile, and her eyes were very dark, deep and wise. She spoke no English.

I sat down below her and looked up into her eyes.

“What is your question?” asked the interpreter.

“How do I love?” I answered in a tremulous voice.

She looked down at me knowingly and with a slight, yet firm voice answered gently “Love is service to others – you may serve others.”

I was perplexed.

I thought she hadn’t understood my question. “But, how do I serve others?”

“With your body. Do you have any other questions?”

When I said no, I was gently ushered out of her room.

I was disappointed. The answer was not what I had expected or wanted.

Little did I know, until years later how accurate her words would prove. She had given me, not what I wanted, but exactly what I had needed.