What brings a tear of joy to your eye?
There are moments in life when joy wells up so deeply that it overflows as tears. They are not tears of sorrow or loss, but rather tears of gratitude, awe, and recognition of something profoundly beautiful.
For me, a tear of joy comes when I witness growth — whether in my own journey or in the lives of those around me. Seeing a student discover their potential, a leader grow into their calling, or a loved one overcome a challenge, always stirs something in me. It is as if God whispers in those moments, “See? The seed has taken root.”
But there are also very personal sources of joy that move me to tears. Watching my three children grow — not just physically but also intellectually — fills me with awe. I am fascinated by their progress, their curiosity, and the way they engage with the world around them. Seeing my sons play sports and perform to the best of their abilities is another moment that tugs at my heart.
I am also deeply moved by the accomplishments of my dear wife, the mother of our three children. She continues to inspire me with the way she balances her roles at home, in her career, and in her personal pursuits. Seeing the light in her eyes when her efforts bear fruit often brings a tear of joy to mine. Her determination, resilience, and grace not only bless our family but also remind me daily of the power of love and perseverance.
Family memories also play a special role. I often think of my late father and the sacrifices he made for us. Though I miss him dearly and wish we had more time together, many of the memories he left behind still make me shed tears of joy. I am equally amazed by my mother’s resilience and faith. She has faced challenges of many kinds throughout her life, yet she always finds the light at the end of the tunnel. Lately, during almost every conversation with her, she reminds me of the value of maintaining a life of prayer no matter what circumstances we face.
My siblings and I are now grown, married, and parents ourselves, I am very proud of all my siblings and the lives they have been building for themselves. Each one has accomplished meaningful things that bring me joy, but my heart holds a special place for the three youngest. I vividly remember them as babies. Those of us who are older had the privilege of helping our parents care for them in those early years. Watching them grow into adulthood, pursuing their dreams, and becoming remarkable individuals fills me with pride and gratitude. Their growth continues to inspire me. The bond we share remains strong to this day, and that closeness is one of life’s blessings that often brings a tear of joy to my eye.
Coming from a large extended family is another source of joy that often moves me to tears. Our family tree is wide and deeply rooted, and the strong connections we maintain are a true blessing. I take great pride in witnessing the milestones of my aunts, uncles, and especially my cousins—whether it is celebrating their graduations, attending their weddings, or seeing them become parents and raise their own children. Their professional and social achievements also inspire me, reminding me that our family’s story is one of perseverance, growth, and shared triumphs over struggles. Each success feels like a collective celebration, and being part of those moments fills me with gratitude and joy.
Professionally, I am blessed to witness the growth of my students and mentees. Watching them achieve academically, socially, and professionally is a constant source of joy. In my classes, when I ask students to reflect on their learning experiences, their responses often move me deeply. Similarly, mentoring young professionals and celebrating their achievements reminds me why I pour myself into this work.
In particular, when it comes to the students I have worked with over the years, I get especially emotional when they help me realize that I have been among the people who planted seeds in their lives—seeds that are now bearing good fruit. To know that I have played even a small role in their growth and success is one of the greatest joys of my work, and it often brings tears to my eyes.
Tears of joy remind me that I am witnessing life in its fullness. They remind me that growth, love, and grace are alive all around us—in our families, friendships, communities, and professional spaces. And perhaps most importantly, they remind me to be grateful.
So, what brings a tear of joy to my eye? The undeniable evidence that growth, love, and grace are still flourishing in this world—and that I am blessed to witness them.
What about you? What [literally or symbolically] brings a tear of joy to your eye? Think about it.
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