Hand In Hand

Wisdom is based on knowledge, experience and understanding. Happiness complements those qualities, with pleasure and contentedness. When even small quantities of wisdom are attained, happiness follows harmoniously. In high doses, a combination of the two may be contagious. When a person is brimming with wisdom, there is no room for unhappiness.

When my son Kevin began learning the basics of engine mechanics, at the age of eleven, he was gaining wisdom. He would spend after school and weekend hours, learning everything about tractor engines his young mind could absorb. When he returned home, he was, more often than not, disgustingly filthy. I would never be upset with him when, through all the grime and grease on his face, his scintillating grin still came shining through. He was as happy as I had ever seen him.

When Kevin had taken only his first two semesters of college, his peers began to seek him out for mechanical advice. Kevin was always more than happy to share his wisdom and ability. Standing behind the scenes, watching with a mother’s interest, I smiled with glee.

During his next semester, Kevin began work on his own car. He rebuilt and installed a new, more powerful engine, which started on the first turn of the ignition. His automotive technology instructor told him how impressed he was with his work and Kevin received an “A” in that particular course. Kevin was overcome with joy and raced home to tell me, knowing I would be ecstatic.

The learning has continued for Kevin, who has now excelled in auto body and is currently preparing to paint his car. More importantly, through his own wisdom, Kevin has not only built a good reputation for himself, but today he paid off his car two years early. When he handed me the title for safe-keeping, his eyes sparkled with exhilaration while mine were teary with joy.



5/12/02--Since I first wrote this article, Kevin has completed two more college courses and this is what his car looks like now... ** Images For Use By Upgraded+ Only **