Over a century ago, an African farmer heard of many who discovered diamond mines and became very, very rich. He sold his farm and roamed the continent prospecting for the precious stones. After spending everything in the fruitless search, he drowned himself. Meanwhile, the buyer of his farm noticed an unusual pebble in a creek on the property. He investigated and learned it was a diamond. In fact, the farm was covered with diamonds, and he became the richest man in Africa. The original owner had acres of diamonds right under his nose. If he only had recognized the wealth he already possessed. Joy, likewise, is within reach, but we must look for it.

A surprising source of joy is adversity. Roman playwright Seneca said, “Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men.”All face difficulties, yet the greatest problems can yield harvests of delight. Consider: