The definition of a prospector is an explorer whose sole purpose is to discover riches under the surface, usually gold. From 1849 to 1855, 300,000 people traveled to California from across America and a dozen foreign lands in search of wealth in what later was called “The Gold Rush”. Some struck it rich, but many only faced hardships, leaving debts, debauchery, and broken families in their wake.

A wise parent is like a seasoned prospector. But unlike the temporal and selfish pursuits of these gold diggers, his passion is to explore the riches that lie just beneath the surface of his children, waiting to be discovered. Unlike the tens of thousands who suffered greatly and lived with regrets during the great Rush, a parent will never be disappointed if he spends time mining for treasure in his sons and daughters. His investment of time, and sacrifices for a cause, will make discovering bullion seem trivial, even foolish. Even among the prospectors who made millions, many died miserable, disillusioned, or having squandered the wealth for which they had blindly left all else behind. But a father or mother who recognizes the immense potential in a child–who patiently, skillfully, prayerfully, extracts from them gifts, creativity, passions, and talent–is one who has chosen the right priority. They will live to see so much “wealth” created, they will wonder how anyone could have chosen a shiny piece of rock over the wonder and enchantment of a child who grows up secure and contented because he knew that in Mom and Dad’s eyes, he was so much more precious than gold.