Since today is National I Want You to be Happy Day, you could say that I want them to be happy. But that wouldn’t be entirely true.

I don’t just want them to seek happiness. I want my children to find holiness.

I want them to experience trials that produce perseverance, good character, and hope-filled spirits. (Romans 5:3-5) I want them to boast in their weaknesses so that they may learn to lean on God’s strength. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

I want my children to feel challenged and be bold. I want them to be willing to do what is uncomfortable. They should know they have what it takes to do hard things. I want them to stand up for themselves and for what is right. I want them to learn, grow, and achieve what is meaningful to them in a way and aligned with God’s calling on their lives.

I want them to experience the discomfort of trying new things. I want them to wrestle with and overcome their false mental models. I want them to struggle well and in the pursuit of that which sets their souls on fire.

I don’t want them to settle for mere happiness, which can be fleeting, tempting, or the result of instant gratification.

I want them to experience the joy that comes from living aligned with their values, using their innate gifts and talents in a meaningful way for their good and God’s glory.

Of course, I want my children to be happy.

But I want so much more for them too.

#nationaliwantyoutobehappyday