In Jim Stovall’s famous book The Ultimate Gift, we read the story of a man striving to make his billions, who at the end of his life, leaves a broken, miserable family that has become accustomed to living on his wealth. His only son who possessed a work-hard-help-others attitude, died in a tragic accident. The Ultimate Gift was left to that son’s son, who was wasting away on his grandfather’s monthly stipend.

What could this ultimate gift be?  All of the family expected it to be money, and lots of it!  But the grandson was given an opportunity for a journey where he would discover hard work, purpose, friendship, giving, and even stewardship!

Receipt of his inheritance would be based upon his ability to rise above the challenge his grandfather had set for him in a series of tests. This young man discovered the ultimate gift was not in having but in giving life, working diligently, using his talents and rising to the challenge at hand! Research shows that individuals who know and exercise their character strengths live happier, more successful lives—they have stronger relationships, more engagement at work, and greater life balance.