Virtue Quest: Zeal

Virtue Quest: Zeal

by | Apr 1, 2025 | Virtues

The Power of Zeal: Welcoming Each Day with Enthusiasm and Purpose

Zeal inspires us to approach life with vigor, seeing even the smallest tasks as opportunities to contribute to a greater whole. At its heart, zeal is a celebration of purpose, lighting our way with joy and determination.

In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming with its demands and distractions, embracing the power of zeal allows us to greet each day filled with enthusiasm and a sense of purpose. Zeal is so much more than mere energy or excitement; it ignites the fire within us, motivating us to commit to what truly matters, persevere with joy, and engage fully in our daily lives.

What is Zeal?

It’s that incredible, passionate devotion to something that holds genuine meaning for us. It inspires us to put forth our best efforts—not because we have to, but because we love, hope, and cherish a vision that we hold close. Zeal doesn’t need to make a lot of noise; it embodies a quiet determination to live with intention, the spark that helps us tackle challenges, and the joy that transforms the mundane into something extraordinary!

People with zeal are often described as “on fire” for what they do—not because everything is perfect, but because they believe in the why behind their actions.

Link to a full description of Zeal, including balancing virtues.

Starting the Day with Zeal

Think about what your mornings feel like. Are they rushed? Routine? Or do they begin with a moment of purpose?

Zeal doesn’t ask us to have it all figured out. It simply nudges us to start with intention:

  • “Today, I want to be kind.”

  • “Today, I’ll give my full attention to what matters most.”

  • “Today, I’ll look for one good thing, no matter what.”

When we wake up with even a hint of purpose, something shifts. Making breakfast becomes a gift. Answering emails becomes a chance to connect. A walk becomes a way to breathe and reflect. Zeal turns the ordinary into something sacred.

How to Practice Zeal in Everyday Life

Zeal isn’t reserved for big dreams or huge life changes. It lives in small, meaningful choices. Here’s how to bring more of it into your day:

1. Start with a Daily Intention
Before the busyness sets in, pause. Ask yourself what kind of person you want to be today. Maybe it’s calm, curious, generous, or patient. Let that intention guide your actions.

2. Find Joy in the Challenge
Life isn’t always easy. But zeal helps us show up with hope. When things get hard—a tough conversation, a long day at work—remember your “why.” Growth often hides in the hard stuff.

3. Stay Curious
Zeal is fueled by wonder. Try a new recipe, ask your child a deep question, or read about something unfamiliar. When we stay curious, we stay alive inside.

4. Share Your Spark
You don’t need to be loud to inspire others. Just be real. Your quiet commitment and positive energy can lift someone’s whole day.

5. Rest on Purpose
Zeal isn’t about burning out. It includes rest. When we rest intentionally—without guilt—we’re honoring our need to refuel. Resting with purpose is just as sacred as working with passion.

Living with Zeal

Zeal has a beautiful way of breathing life into everything else. It strengthens courage, adds warmth to kindness, and makes our efforts feel more joyful. When we live with zeal, we stop waiting for inspiration and begin being the inspiration.

So here’s a simple question to carry with you:

What would it look like for me to live today with zeal?

Whether you’re parenting, building a career, healing from something hard, or just trying to get through a regular Tuesday, zeal reminds you that what you do—and how you do it—matters.

Let this be a day where you rise with intention, act with heart, and rest in peace, knowing you lived it with purpose.

Because a life lived with zeal is a life well-lived.

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael
Helping Our Children Grow in Modesty

Helping Our Children Grow in Modesty

by | Mar 25, 2025 | Parenting, Virtues

Confidence Without Boasting,

Appreciation Without Envy

As parents, we want our children to feel confident in who they are and proud of what they accomplish. We cheer for their victories, hang up their artwork, and celebrate milestones big and small. But along the way, we also hope they grow into humble, gracious people—those who can share the spotlight, lift others up, and stay grounded no matter how high they soar.

So, how do we strike that balance? How do we help our kids be proud of themselves without falling into bragging? And how do we encourage them to appreciate others’ success without comparing or feeling less-than?

Let’s walk through some thoughtful, doable ways to instill the virtue of modesty in daily family life.

💬 1. Confidence Isn’t the Enemy of Modesty

First, it’s important to know that modesty doesn’t mean denying or hiding our gifts. Instead, it’s about knowing your worth without needing to prove it to others. We can teach our kids that it’s perfectly okay to say, “I’m proud of this,” while still being respectful and humble.

When your child accomplishes something, praise the effort, the learning, and the positive impact they made—not just the outcome. Try something like:

  • “You showed real persistence on that science project. That’s what made it great!”

  • “You used your gift for storytelling to make us laugh. Thank you for sharing that talent.”

These responses celebrate their success without placing them above others.

🤝 2. Teach the Power of Shared Joy

It’s natural for children to want recognition—and sometimes feel envious when someone else shines. But modesty helps them move from comparison to connection.

Start by naming and noticing others’ strengths out loud:

  • “Your sister is so creative with her drawings, isn’t she?”

  • “I loved how your friend shared his snack with everyone. That’s generosity in action.”

Then, model appreciation of others in your own life. When they hear you say things like, “That was such a great idea your coworker had,” or “I’m learning so much from my friend’s parenting style,” they learn that celebrating others doesn’t take anything away from them.

Encourage your child to offer kind words to others, even simple ones:

  • “That was a great goal you scored!”

  • “You really helped the team today.”

These practices foster a culture of appreciation, where everyone’s success is seen as a win for the group.

🛠 3. Tools to Support Modesty at Home

Here are a few quick ideas you can try this week:

  • The “We All Win” Jar: Keep a family jar where anyone can write down something kind, helpful, or impressive that someone else did. Read a few slips aloud each week and celebrate everyone’s efforts.

  • Reframe Compliments: If your child brags (“I’m the best at math!”), gently guide them with curiosity. “You do work hard in math. What’s something you’re learning lately that excites you?”

  • Model It: If someone compliments you, let your kids hear you say, “Thank you—I’m really grateful I got to be part of that,” or “It was a team effort.”

Modesty isn’t about making ourselves small. It’s about making room for others to shine alongside us. When children learn to embrace their gifts with gratitude and notice the beauty in others’ gifts, they grow into compassionate, grounded individuals who uplift those around them.

And that’s a quiet kind of power that will serve them for life.

Let’s Reflect:
What is one way I can model both confidence and humility for my child this week? How can I invite them to notice and celebrate someone else’s success today?

You’re doing meaningful, heart-shaping work—one conversation, one value, one virtue at a time. Keep going. Your example is the best teacher they’ll ever have.

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael
The Quiet Power of Modesty in a Loud World

The Quiet Power of Modesty in a Loud World

by | Mar 1, 2025 | Virtues

“True modesty does not mean thinking less of yourself; it means thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis

Welcome to this month’s Virtue Quest, where we take a deep dive into the virtue of modesty—not as a restriction, but as a powerful, liberating force in a world that often demands constant self-promotion.

In a society where success is measured in likes, follows, and the ability to “sell yourself,” modesty might seem outdated, even weak. But here’s the truth: modesty is not about hiding your light—it’s about shining in a way that invites others to shine, too.

This week, we’re focusing on modesty in self-expression, particularly in how we present ourselves, our achievements, and our opinions in everyday life.

The Myth of Modesty: It’s Not About Playing Small

Modesty has long been misunderstood. Some believe it means downplaying your strengths, deflecting praise, or making yourself invisible. But true modesty is not self-erasure—it’s self-awareness. It’s the art of balancing confidence with humility, recognizing our worth without demanding the spotlight.

Imagine two types of people in a conversation:

      • The Over-Announcer – They turn every topic into a highlight reel of their achievements. (Think: “That reminds me of the time I single-handedly saved the project.”)
      • The Understated Presence – They contribute meaningfully, share insights, and acknowledge others without constantly redirecting attention to themselves.

Which person do you enjoy being around more?

Modesty doesn’t mean hiding your accomplishments; it means sharing them in a way that uplifts rather than overshadows.

Modesty in the Age of Self-Promotion

Let’s be honest: we live in a world where self-promotion is often necessary. Whether in job interviews, social media, or networking events, we’re expected to “put ourselves out there.” So, how do we balance healthy confidence with true modesty?

Here’s a three-part filter to check if you’re practicing modest self-expression:

      • Motivation Check: Why am I sharing this? – Is it to inspire, inform, or encourage? Or is it to seek validation?
      • Room for Others: Am I allowing space for others to shine? – Are you elevating others in the conversation, or is it all about you?
      • Gracious Confidence: Can I share my successes with gratitude instead of boasting? – “I’m grateful for the chance to have worked on this project” sounds different from “I’m the reason this project succeeded.”

Modest self-expression is not about hiding; it’s about making sure our voice doesn’t drown out others.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Modesty in Daily Life

How can we grow in this virtue without slipping into false humility or diminishing ourselves? Here are three small but impactful practices:

1. Listen More Than You Speak

In conversations, aim to listen twice as much as you talk. Instead of waiting for your turn to speak, engage with curiosity. Ask questions. Recognize that everyone has something valuable to offer.

2. Acknowledge Others

A modest person celebrates the successes of others just as much as their own. If someone compliments your work, try responding with “Thank you! I had a great team to support me” instead of a self-deprecating brush-off or an ego boost.

3. Let Actions Speak Louder Than Words

A truly modest person doesn’t need to constantly advertise their virtues—they live them. Whether in kindness, generosity, or expertise, let your work speak for itself.

The Strength in Modesty

Modesty is not weakness. It is self-assurance without arrogance, wisdom without self-importance, and confidence without the need for applause. It allows us to walk through life with grace, inviting connection rather than competition.

In a world that equates loudness with success, choosing modesty is an act of quiet strength.

So this week, as you embark on your Virtue Quest, take a moment to ask yourself:

Am I making space for others in my conversations?

Am I confident in my strengths without needing to broadcast them?

Am I practicing the kind of modesty that brings out the best in myself and those around me?

Modesty is not about making yourself smaller—it’s about making the world around you bigger.

Happy Questing!

Would love to hear your thoughts: How do you balance confidence and modesty in your own life? Drop a comment and let’s discuss!

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael
Love and Boundaries Create Healthy Relationships

Love and Boundaries Create Healthy Relationships

by | Feb 25, 2025 | Parenting, Relationships, Self-care, Virtues

Love is often thought of as limitless—an open, giving force that knows no bounds. And yet, the healthiest expressions of love exist within clear and respectful boundaries. Contrary to what some might believe, boundaries do not limit love; they protect and sustain it. When love and boundaries work together, they create relationships rooted in trust, respect, and emotional well-being.

So how do love and boundaries complement each other, and how can we apply them in our family and community relationships?

What Are Boundaries, and Why Do They Matter?

Boundaries are the personal guidelines we establish to protect our physical, emotional, and mental well-being. They define what is acceptable and what is not in our relationships. Healthy boundaries help us:

      • Maintain our sense of self while loving others
      • Prevent resentment and burnout
      • Communicate our needs effectively
      • Create a safe and respectful environment

When we set boundaries, we are not withholding love; we are ensuring that love is sustainable, mutual, and nurturing rather than overwhelming, one-sided, or harmful.

Love Without Boundaries: The Risk of Overgiving

When love exists without boundaries, it can lead to unhealthy dynamics:

      • Parental Overgiving: Parents who don’t set limits may struggle with discipline, leading to a lack of structure in their children’s lives. They may also sacrifice their own well-being to “keep the peace,” which can lead to burnout.
      • Friendships Without Balance: A friendship where one person is always giving and the other is always taking can create resentment over time.
      • Romantic Relationships Without Respect: If one partner continually sacrifices their needs or accepts harmful behaviors in the name of love, the relationship can become unhealthy or even toxic.

Love, without boundaries, can become exhausting. Instead of being a force that nurtures both people, it turns into an obligation or burden.

Boundaries Without Love: The Risk of Isolation

While boundaries are essential, they must be balanced with love. If we set rigid, unyielding boundaries without care, we may push people away rather than build strong connections.

For example:

      • A parent who is too strict without warmth may create fear instead of trust.
      • A person who sets harsh boundaries without compassion may come across as distant or unapproachable.
      • A community that values rules over relationships may struggle to foster genuine belonging.

The key is balance—boundaries should be rooted in love, and love should be protected by healthy boundaries.

How Love and Boundaries Work Together

1. Love Provides the Foundation, Boundaries Provide the Structure

Think of love as the foundation of a home and boundaries as the walls. The foundation makes the home strong, but the walls provide safety and security. In relationships, love is what connects us, and boundaries define how we interact in ways that protect and honor one another.

For example, a parent may deeply love their child but still set limits on screen time, bedtime, or respectful communication. The child may not always like these boundaries, but they create a secure, loving environment.

2. Boundaries Communicate Love and Respect

Clear boundaries communicate to others:

      • “I value our relationship enough to be honest about my needs.”
      • “I love and respect myself enough to set limits.”
      • “I care about you enough to ensure our relationship is mutually respectful.”

For instance, in a friendship, setting a boundary might mean saying, “I love being there for you, but I also need time to recharge. Let’s plan a time to talk instead of texting late at night.” This ensures both people’s needs are respected.

3. Love Gives Boundaries Their Flexibility

While boundaries should be clear, they should also be flexible when appropriate. Love allows us to adapt our boundaries with wisdom and discernment.

For example, a couple may have a general boundary about personal space but recognize that during difficult times, more closeness and reassurance are needed. A parent may have firm rules but also show compassion when a child is struggling.

Practical Ways to Balance Love and Boundaries

      • Know Your Own Needs and Limits – Reflect on what is important for your well-being. Do you need alone time? Clear communication? Emotional honesty? Define what makes you feel valued and respected in relationships.
      • Communicate Boundaries with Kindness – Boundaries should be expressed with warmth and clarity. Instead of saying, “Stop bothering me,” try “I need some quiet time right now, but I’d love to connect later.”
      • Be Consistent, but Compassionate – Healthy boundaries are not about control; they are about care. Consistency is key, but always allow room for understanding.
      • Teach Children That Love and Boundaries Go Together – Model for your children that saying “no” doesn’t mean you don’t love someone. Show them how to respect others’ boundaries while also standing firm in their own.
      • Recognize That Boundaries Protect Relationships – Setting a boundary does not mean rejecting someone; it means honoring the relationship by ensuring it is built on mutual respect.

Love Flourishes Within Healthy Boundaries

When love and boundaries work together, relationships become healthier, stronger, and more fulfilling. Love without boundaries leads to exhaustion; boundaries without love lead to isolation. But when we cultivate both, we create relationships that are safe, nurturing, and lasting.

Boundaries are not a barrier to love—they are the structure that allows love to thrive. By setting and respecting healthy limits, we can build relationships that are full of trust, joy, and deep connection.

Reflection Question: Are there relationships that need boundaries in your life?

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael

The Four Types of Love Every Family Needs

The Four Types of Love Every Family Needs

by | Feb 24, 2025 | Parenting, Virtues

Four Words to Describe Love

The ancient Greeks had a rich understanding of love, recognizing that love takes different forms in human relationships. They used four distinct words to describe various types of love: Storge, Philia, Eros, and Agape.

Each of these forms of love plays a vital role in family life. Let’s explore their meanings and practical applications in creating a loving, nurturing family environment.

1. Storge (στοργή) – Familial Love

Definition: Storge is the deep, natural affection that exists between family members, particularly between parents and children. It is an unconditional, steady kind of love that grows over time.

Practical Application in Family Life:

      • Storge is expressed in the everyday care and protection family members provide for each other.
      • It shows up in the small but meaningful acts—making meals, offering comfort after a bad day, and providing a sense of security.
      • Parents demonstrate storge by consistently being there for their children, guiding them with patience and nurturing them with kindness.
      • Siblings may express storge by standing up for one another, sharing responsibilities, or maintaining a lifelong bond despite differences.

When storge is nurtured, children feel safe, accepted, and deeply loved simply for who they are, not for what they achieve.

2. Philia (φιλία) – Friendship and Mutual Love

Definition: Philia is the love of deep friendship, loyalty, and mutual respect. It is the love found in close companionships and is based on shared values, trust, and mutual support.

Practical Application in Family Life:

      • Parents can cultivate philia by creating strong, respectful relationships with their children—engaging in meaningful conversations, listening to their ideas, and valuing their perspectives.
      • Siblings and spouses can foster philia by treating each other as trusted allies rather than rivals. A good sibling or spouse is not just family but also a true friend.
      • Families that build their foundation on friendship enjoy a sense of ease, fun, and deep connection in their relationships.
      • Setting aside time for family bonding—game nights, heart-to-heart talks, or working together on projects—strengthens philia.

Philia helps families move beyond just duty and obligation and creates a sense of genuine companionship, making home a place of belonging.

3. Eros (ἔρως) – Romantic and Passionate Love

Definition: Eros refers to romantic love, attraction, and deep emotional connection between partners. While it often includes physical passion, it also encompasses the longing for union and intimacy in a committed relationship.

Practical Application in Family Life:

        • A strong, loving marriage or partnership is the cornerstone of a healthy family. When parents nurture their romantic connection, they model what a loving, respectful relationship looks like for their children.
        • Expressing appreciation, maintaining affectionate gestures (such as holding hands, complimenting each other, and spending quality time together), and keeping the romance alive contribute to a stable home environment.
        • Healthy Eros involves deep emotional connection and commitment, not just passion. When couples work through challenges with patience and respect, they create a lasting, loving partnership.
        • Children feel secure when they see their parents prioritizing their relationship, demonstrating that love is not just a feeling but a choice and a practice.

By nurturing Eros within a committed relationship, couples create a foundation of love that strengthens the entire family.

4. Agape (ἀγάπη) – Selfless, Unconditional Love

Definition: Agape is the highest form of love—selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. It is love that seeks the best for others without expecting anything in return. Agape is often associated with divine love and a commitment to loving others with grace and forgiveness.

Practical Application in Family Life:

      • Parents express agape when they continue to love and support their children, even through difficulties, mistakes, and rebellious phases.
      • Siblings practice agape when they show forgiveness instead of holding grudges, choosing kindness over conflict.
      • Spouses embody agape when they remain committed through hardships, offering understanding, patience, and encouragement.
      • Families that prioritize acts of service, kindness, and generosity create an environment where agape is lived out daily.

Agape love keeps a family together, even when emotions fluctuate. It reminds each family member that they are loved not because of what they do, but simply because they are part of the family.

The Balance of Love in Family Life

Each of these four types of love plays a vital role in creating a strong, thriving family:

  • Storge provides security and belonging.
  • Philia strengthens the bonds of friendship and mutual respect.
  • Eros deepens the marital relationship, setting a foundation for the family.
  • Agape sustains love through hardships and teaches the true essence of selflessness.

A healthy, loving family is one where all four types of love are nurtured and balanced. When families cultivate these different expressions of love, they create a home where each member feels valued, supported, and cherished.

Reflection Question: How do these descriptions broaden your understanding of Love the Virtue?

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael

Love is the Greatest Virtue of All

Love is the Greatest Virtue of All

by | Jan 28, 2025 | Virtues

Love is the greatest of all virtues. It’s a bold claim, isn’t it? Yet, as I reflect on the role love plays in our lives, it becomes clear why it holds such a lofty position. Love is the force that binds us together, inspires us to grow, and gives our lives meaning. It’s not merely a feeling—it’s an active, transformative virtue that shapes the way we see the world and each other.

Why is love seen as the greatest virtue? I believe it’s because love encompasses all other virtues. Patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and even courage stem from love. When we act out of love, we embody these virtues naturally. Love motivates us to go beyond ourselves to put others’ needs before our own. It challenges us to see the beauty in others and to create beauty in the world. Without love, virtues can feel mechanical or hollow, but with love, they become vibrant and alive.

Consider how love influences our relationships. Love isn’t just about romance or family ties. It’s about connection and care. When we love someone, we invest in their well-being. We listen more intently, forgive more freely, and work harder to build trust and understanding. Love teaches us to sacrifice our comfort, time, and even our pride to nurture these bonds. In this sense, sacrifice is not a loss but a gift—a way of prioritizing what truly matters.

But love doesn’t stop at our closest relationships.

When cultivated as a virtue, love extends outward to encompass our communities, our environment, and even our sense of purpose. Loving a place, for example, means treating it with respect and care. Love inspires us to protect and nurture the spaces we inhabit, whether it’s our home, a favorite park, or an entire city. It asks us to be stewards, recognizing that what we cherish must also be preserved for others.

The same is true for ideas. When we love a cause or a principle, we’re willing to dedicate ourselves fully to it. Think of the people who have fought tirelessly for justice, equality, or peace. Their love for these ideals drove them to sacrifice, often at significant personal cost. Love becomes the fuel for perseverance. It allows us to stay committed even when the journey is challenging because a vision of something greater than ourselves anchors us.

What about life itself?

This is the most profound expression of love. To love life is to embrace its fullness—the joys, sorrows, triumphs, and challenges. It means approaching each day with gratitude and wonder, seeing each moment as an opportunity to grow and connect. When we love life, we’re more likely to take risks, be vulnerable, and open ourselves to new experiences. When viewed through the lens of love, life becomes a gift, not a burden.

Yet love isn’t always easy. It demands vulnerability and courage. To love deeply is to risk pain—the pain of loss, rejection, or disappointment. But I’ve come to see that this vulnerability is what makes love so powerful. It reminds us of our shared humanity. When we love, we acknowledge that we are all imperfect and that we all need grace and compassion. Love humbles us, teaching us to let go of control and to trust in something greater than ourselves.

In my own life, I’ve seen how love can transform even the smallest moments. A kind word, a thoughtful gesture, or a simple act of presence can make all the difference. These are acts of love that ripple outward, creating connections and strengthening relationships. Love isn’t about grand gestures or perfect outcomes; it’s about the consistent, everyday choices to care and to give.

So how do we apply love to all parts of life? It starts with intention. Love is a choice we make, moment by moment. In our relationships, it means prioritizing connection over convenience. In our work, it means striving for excellence because we care about the impact we’re making. In our communities, it means showing up for others, even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. And in our relationship with ourselves, it means practicing self-compassion and allowing ourselves to grow.

Love also calls us to sacrifice. This isn’t about losing ourselves or denying our needs; it’s about discerning what matters most. When we love, we’re willing to let go of lesser things to focus on what truly brings meaning and joy. This might mean giving up time spent on distractions to invest in a relationship, or it could mean setting aside personal ambitions to support someone else’s dreams. Love reminds us that sacrifice is not about deprivation but about choosing abundance—an abundance of connection, purpose, and fulfillment.

Imagine a world where love guides our decisions. Conflicts would give way to understanding. Communities would thrive through mutual care. Families would be places of safety and growth. Each of us would feel valued, not for what we do but for who we are. Love, as the greatest virtue, has the power to transform not just our individual lives but the world around us.

As I reflect on the role of love, I’m reminded of the profound truth that love is both a gift and a practice. It’s something we receive and something we give. It’s a force that shapes us, challenges us, and inspires us to be better. Love invites us to see the world through eyes of compassion, to act with kindness, and to live with purpose.

So why is love the greatest of all virtues? Because it is the root from which all other virtues grow. It is the guiding light that helps us navigate life’s complexities. And it is the ultimate expression of what it means to be human. Love connects us to each other, to our purpose, and to the divine. It’s not just something we feel; it’s something we do, every day, in big ways and small.

As we go about our lives, let’s strive to make love our compass. Let it guide our choices, shape our relationships, and inspire our actions. When we live with love, we create a life that’s not just good – but truly great. And in doing so, we make the world a little brighter, one act of love at a time.

Joe is a husband, father, grandfather, author, speaker, educator, course creator, and parent/family coach.

He helps parents develop unity, find clarity, communicate, and develop consistency in their parenting with the Four C’s of Successful Families. You can find his work on social media.

In addition, the Four C’s newsletter is enjoyed by many as it encourages parents to self-care, build their relationships with their partners, and raise their children. 

And he loves to golf! 

Joseph Michael