Planting Joy

My desire for my sons is that they grow up to seek joy rather than to pursue happiness. How does joy seeking come about? Is there a way that I can plant seeds in the lives of my children that will influence them to turn from the crowded pool of temporary pleasure to venture up the narrow, rough road that will bring eternal life? What was it about my growing up years that motivated me to walk the path I am walking?


Well, one thing my parents did not do was to push the seeds as forcefully as possible, deep down into the rich soil of our lives. As my brothers discovered, deep down forceful planting doesn't produce many peas.
Rather, we were gently nurtured, creatively celebrated and taught responsibility.

More importantly, my parents modeled faith for us in their daily decisions, through the books they read to us, and in an unwavering commitment to attending church and loving those around them. Today I look at the lives of my siblings and see much joy seeking. May all of our gardens be as fruitful!