The secret to living a joyful and a successful life is to live it as a participant rather than as a spectator.

A spectator at a sporting event might gratify a passion; but it’s the participant who experiences the thrill of making the catch, of honing his body and his skills, and of making the score.

A spectator at church is satisfied that he has met the minimum requirements for discipleship; but it’s the Sunday School teacher who learns, who impacts lives, and who finds the joy in serving his fellow man.

A spectator at work puts in the expected time and meets the minimum requirements for the job; but the participant goes the extra mile, improves the workplace, and finds satisfaction in doing the job well.  He derives great pleasure in sighting down his new, perfectly-straight fence, in reading through and tweaking his finished composition, and in admiring his finished creation.

A spectator parent brings a child into the world, and then commits him to the care of day-care centers, teachers, and peers.  The participant parent actively teaches and molds his child with interaction at every opportunity.