Happy Seeds

Carl’s father noticed that his son was intensely doing something in their back garden.

“Carl, what are you doing out there?”

“I’m starting my class project early so I can show it to teacher Michael on the first day of class!” he excitedly replied as he clumsily brushed the sweat from his forehead leaving a muddy streak over his right eyebrow.

“What project?”

“I’m planting happy seeds, daddy,” he said.

“Happy seeds?” His puzzled father opened the sliding door and walked where Carl was busy planting seeds.

“Yes, they are special seeds…,” the boy continued digging.

“Where did you buy these happy seeds?”

“I didn’t, I just asked mom for seeds,” Carl said while he scooped some fresh soil to cover the seeds he had just planted.

“Oh, I thought the brand of seeds was called ‘Happy’,” his dad clarified.

“No, daddy,” Carl laughed and gently patted the fresh earth to level it a bit.

“Why do you call them happy seeds?”

“They become happy seeds if I plant them with a happy heart,” Carl explained.

“Huh? How is that supposed to make them happy, son?”

Carl didn’t reply because he was busy carefully pouring water on the spot where he buried the seeds.

“Teacher Michael said that we plant them with a happy heart when we do it carefully, gently and with love for Jesus.”

“But you won’t surely be spending your whole day there just watching the seeds, right?”

“Nope!” Carl stood up and dusted his mud-stained knees.

“So, how will they become happy seeds when you leave the garden?”

“Teacher Michael also said that we can continue watering them when we do other things at home with a happy heart,” Carl said.

“Really? How?”

“I could complain less,” Carl scratched his head. “I could do my chores smiling, or to be happy to take Becky for a walk in the park and happy when I help you and mom with other things!”

“I’m quite impressed with your happy seeds, Carl.”

I can’t wait for them to sprout soon and see their fruits, dad!”

“If you want, we can both water them with happy things, son,” he suggested.

“That would be awesome, dad!!!”

* * * * * *

That evening Carl’s mom started fixing up the living room to prepare it for their traditional family evening get-together. She always looked forward to these informal gatherings which were mighty-bonding moments to share things that happened during the day.

She had also secretly prepared a surprise for the family to enjoy during the affair: her special home-made apple-cream supreme pie! As she entered the kitchen she was surprised to see her husband doing the dishes.

“Fred? You’re doing the dishes?”

“Yeh, huh… I just thought you might need an extra hand before our get-together.”

“Wow! Thanks, dear. That surely saves me some time to do other things before going to bed.” She embraced Fred.

“No sweat at all, honey!”

But she was still bewildered at her husband’s initiative and couldn’t help asking, “Fred, seriously, what are you washing the dishes for?”

“Oh, this? I just thought I could wash some happy dishes!” He replied with a very wide smile.

“Have you been drinking brandy again?” Fred’s wife gave him a mischievous, evil eye.

“No dear, I just thought it could help water Carl’s happy seeds to make us one big happy family as well!”

“Happy seeds?” She gave her husband a puzzled but happy look. “Tell us about it later!”

“Awesome!”