Common Sense Agriculture's Blog

Making It To The Stump Was A Start

Happy - characterized by or indicative of pleasure, contentment, or joy

Last week, while I was heading someplace, I was listening to John Stossel, on my XM, “What Really Makes People Happy.”

I spent the next few days thinking about this question. I thought about myself and what makes me happy?

Late Saturday afternoon, my son could not have provided a better example.

I was loading the truck with hay when Kyle came running in the front of the barn Whooping and Hollering.

“What’s up buddy?” I asked.

“I did it daddy! I did it! I did it all by myself!” He yelled exuberantly.

“Did what?” I asked. (I was smiling from ear to ear seeing his expression and enthusiasm.)

“I climbed two trees (pause for breath) all by myself (pause for breath) without any help!” he exclaimed.

“Awesome, big guy, that’s great!” I said, still grinning.

“Can you do it again?” I asked.

“You bet I can! Come on dad, I’ll show you!” he said, as he pulled me down from the hay stack.

I proceeded to follow him to the lower horse pen and watched the HAPPIEST boy climb two trees, again, without help.

My son defined happiness through his expression and the emotion he brings out in me.

Happiness cannot be bought; it is not achieved through accumulation of things, is not achieved by making more money and does not result from a handout.

Happiness is taking pleasure in being able to accomplish something through your own effort and energy, without interference from the outside.

Happiness is being able to achieve an endeavor, through ingenuity, creativity and determination.

Happiness is the joy in knowing that God has a plan for you and has you in the palm of his hand.

‘He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.’ Proverbs 16:20