3 Things

This list began as 118,343 things, but I thought I would lose you all.. so lets just keep this real simple. Below are the three most important things I want my son to know.

1) Love God with All Your Heart

I pray that you find the path God has intended you to walk. He has amazing plans for your life, and like Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”. I already know you have a wide capacity to love, Harden, love is the most powerful thing in the universe, and you can do great things with it. Don’t let this world rob you of your capacity to love, God can help with this if you let him. God loves you more than I, or you will ever know.

2) Honor Your Mother and Father

Your mother and I love you unconditionally; may you always know that. We have chosen to work tirelessly in an effort to raise you right, i hope you will learn to appreciate the sacrifices we made. We won’t always be perfect so I ask for your forgiveness.

When you seek my wisdom I will offer it whole heartedly, knowing you can use it freely. I am learning so much about life everyday, you have opened up my eyes, it is my duty to share with you what you have shown me.

3) Work Hard

I pray that you work hard in every aspect of your life. In your faith, relationships and understanding of people, passions and pursuit of life, physical and emotional well being, and in your calling. I pray that you work even harder in your struggles and times of despair; may you have grit and determination, and when you don’t know what to do, do the right thing. You are going to fail and that’s ok.. you will work hard and try again.

Develop a habit of getting shit done, nothing is more fulfilling then putting in a solid days work (I learned this from my dad, he always did, and still does put in many full days working around the house). Get up early and start quick. You have the ability to do things that others cannot.. do not take that for granted.

If you do not already have your core values thought out or written down, I would encourage you to do so. Jon Hunstman in “Winners Never Cheat”, says we need to be reminded of our values. By writing it down, you will have a concrete and visual way of reminding yourself of the father and person you want to be.