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I have a family tradition of writing and reading letters to each family member for holidays, birthdays, and special occasions. The letter might contain encouragement, advice, a blessing, a reflection, or a story.
I hit a milestone birthday a couple of years ago… yep, I turned 40 :). So, I wrote this letter to my entire family to share a few things life has taught me to this point.
I thought I would share it with you in hopes that you might find a useful insight…
My Dear Loving Family,
With 60 years in my rear view,
Here are simple truths for your windshield.
Life is complex on the surface – PC or Mac?
But it’s simple at the core – love and faith.
Humility and grace always look best on your face.
Anger is acid inside us.
Mercy and forgiveness are salve for the spirit.
The tongue can be sharper than the knife.
Some of the best words spoken are the words that are never spoken.
Emotions blur a clear head, but love fills an empty heart.
We reap what we sow. We get what we give.
Our peace and joy are limitless,
Confined only by the walls we build ourselves.
A blind man can still have a positive view. We see what we look for.
Facts can hide the truth that only faith can see.
Society’s high fashion can’t compare to God’s design.
While juggling priorities with balls in the air,
Keep your eyes focused on your family affair.
Knowledge is not the same as wisdom,
The more wisdom you gain, the more you realize how much you don’t know.
Success and failure do not change you,
They reveal your true character.
Learning from our failed attempts yields the sweet taste of success,
But the regret of never trying is a bitter pill.
We all want to make history,
But nothing lasts like the love we give and receive.
Blessed is the person whose life is filled with laughter, adventure, faith, hope, and love.
As Corinthians tells us, “The greatest of these is love.”
You are my gifts today,
And I thank God for you every day!
I love you always in all ways, Dad