My beautiful father is 88 soon to be 89. I love him dearly and am very aware that, as healthy as he is for his age, he is in the twilight of his life. That being the case, I do not want to miss one opportunity to spend time with him. Every moment I do get with him is precious, and I am grateful I get to hang out with him on a regular basis. Just last week we had lunch together and it was wonderful, even more so because he inspired me and left me even more in awe of him. I dropped him off and drove home feeling grateful that my life is my reward.

When we think about a reward, we think about something we need to earn. Right? The Cambridge Online Dictionary defines ‘reward’ as; something given in exchange for good behaviour or good work, etc. In other words, it is something not freely given. It has to be earned, deserved, and worked for. Well, hanging out with my dad last week gave me a new perspective on the idea of reward.

I was asking him how life was, and he told me how good it was, except that he was neck deep in paperwork as he was trying to finalise his taxes to get them ready to send to his accountant. He was definitely not enjoying that part of his life. So, as a typical male, I naturally went into solution mode. I suggested to him, ‘why don’t you think about something to reward yourself with when you have finished, as an incentive to get it done. Like, going to the movies, or going out for a meal etc.?’ He stopped, he paused, and he looked very thoughtful, and then after a period of time, he said, ‘That wouldn’t work for me.’

When I asked him why, he said, ‘well, there is nothing I need more in my life that would be a reward. I enjoy everything I have and everything I do. My life is already my reward.’ Wow. I was a little stunned for a moment as I let that comment sink in. Then after a short time I said, ‘that is so great dad, what a wonderful perspective.’ Then I went on to say, ‘well, I guess that means you just have to suck-it-up and get your taxes done.’ We both laughed, he agreed, and we finished our time together, and yet again I have been significantly impacted by my amazing father. He never ceases to amaze me.

As I drove home, I started thinking about my own life from the new perspective I had just got from my dad. It is true. My life is my reward. My existence is a precious gift. My family and friends are always there for me. I love my home and where I live is exactly where I want to be. My business and how I earn my income is meaningful, purposeful, significant, and fun. My future is bright. The challenges I experience are there to help me learn, become better, and grow as a person. What else would I reward myself with when I have a life that is already my reward? I didn’t have to deserve it, and I didn’t have to earn it. It is my birthright.

What I am saying to you is, stop looking for more in order to be happy. Don’t get me wrong, I am always aspiring to create more in my world and find new ways to impact lives, but not to be joyful, instead to fulfil God’s purpose for my life. I definitely recommend the same for you, however, find joy in the person you already are and the things you already have. Your life is your reward. Your existence is your value. Your being is your meaning. It is amazing how much more grounded and peaceful I feel after having lunch with dad.

He is probably still swearing over his taxes as you read this, however, he has a life he doesn’t need a reward to enhance, and a life he doesn’t need to take a holiday from. I wish the same for you. My podcast this week is called, It happens for you, with Carlo Taormina. After dealing with his ‘hell week’ where many undesirable situations occurred, he worked through them to realise that these things didn’t happen to him, instead they happened for him to find the reward that is his life.

As you move forward with your day, week, and life, I urge you to look at it through a different lens. Try to love the things you are maybe not loving. Attempt to find good in the things that, at the outset, may not seem good. Find meaning and joy in the things you already have. Understand that your existence is a wonderful gift. Be grateful that you are here and believe with all your heart that your life is your reward.