Let’s face it — our world desperately needs men. Real men. When life is what hangs in the balance, we need someone to uphold truth and beckon life when darkness threatens. There are men like this, and I want to make sure there continues to be. And I think most of us MOB’s (mom’s of boys) would say we don’t really want to raise “good boys,” we want to raise strong, wise, capable men. Men that protect, persevere. live life to its fullest measure — and leads others to do the same. I can absolutely appreciate that life is a journey; it’s not all roses, neither is it endlessly difficult; but in all circumstances, character shines through. As a parent, where it is at all possible, I hope to equip my boys with dependable truth. That being said…
If I could tell my little loves, my boys, anything at all; this is what I would choose if it came down to a choice:
- I love you. Period. Nothing has the power to change that. My darling child, my little love; I am blow away that I get to be your mom.
- Knowing and loving God will always result in the best possible outcome for your life. I long for great things for you; for eternity to be blown away by your existence. How much more does your creator feel that way about you?! If I know you well, he knows you better — he designed you. If I love you with all of my life, he does more — his son gave his life for you. If I want great things for you, he wants them more — his glory in your story points more people to life instead of death. Yes, it is possible to have a decent life, a semi-satisfying life without acknowledging God — you’ll probably see this happen. But if you want the best, if you want a full and rich and purposeful life, one that matters eternally; you must include Jesus.
- Love people profoundly — compassion is not a wimpy trait. It is noble and selfless and requires strength. It means that you have open eyes to the needs around you, and serve with strength to protect dignity. When you do this, your life with be full and satisfying because you will feel God’s pleasure in any circumstance. People are more important than things because they are eternal.
- You were made for great things. God has a plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11). He has and will equip you for things you cannot even imagine if you allow him to lead. And it’s unique to the role you play in his story; so don’t compare. And never coast. Nothing great comes easy. Make your life’s performance such that your efforts indicate you’re seeking the ultimate judge’s 10 when you take your final bow.
- Handle women well. Women are immeasurably valuable because they reflect their Heavenly Father in ways complementary to the way you do. It will be fascinating. Anything that carries such value, such beauty, such power should be handled carefully. Remember that just because beauty is offered does not mean it is yours to take. Marriage is the only place safe for this. Don’t steal from another man’s treasure by enjoying what isn’t meant for you. This will be hard. It’ll be worth it.
- Your character is more important than your happiness. If we weren’t eternal, I’d tell you to do whatever makes you happy at whatever cost — and that is how much of our world works. But since this life is the blink of an eye intro before the real deal; I want you to be strong more than I want you to be comfortable. I want you to be wise more than I want you to be liked. I want you to pursue what’s best more than I want you to accept what’s easy or convenient.
- An evil exists in this world that works in opposition to truth The worst of which isn’t afraid to use their fists; neither then should you be. But this is not to be your default; in fact, if your life was spent with an absence of violence, you could count it a victory. I do believe in the concept of being a warrior, because you will most certainly draw swords for something; you will protect and oppose, but this can more often mean that you offer your strength to the weak, or your affection to the broken rather than fighting with fists. We are not in Heaven, yet; but to Heaven we must point.
For my little loves, my hearts walking around outside of my chest. I love you.
“I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” — Ephesians 1:18-19