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Dad’s Timeless Words for His Son Departing for College |
Dear Son:
As you prepare for college, I wanted to say a few words of
encouragement. For the time of teaching is done and it is now time for
you to take the next big step in determining the man you want to become.
It is not as if you are going away for ever (we hope not), or going off
to war, but life will present challenges and I encourage you to face
them with resolve.
There is much I could say, but by and large you are as prepared for
life as any 18 year old can be. Therefore, I share these simple
thoughts.
People say you will find two types of people in the world: givers and
takers. I think it is more accurate to say the two types of
people are: people who know how to love one another, and people who are
consumed with selfishness.
Be a person filled with love. Love hard ... and forgive even
harder. Don't hold grudges for they will wear you down and are
not worth the energy
The course of rivers and weak men follow a crooked path. That
path is the path of least resistance. Be strong and follow the
straight path that God has put in your heart. Seek encouragement
from those who walk that same path.
Don't listen to the words of mockers or weak men, but continue to
surround yourself with likeminded men of good courage who desire that
same higher call.
You will find no one person is totally all good, or all bad, but all
men are a combination of both. Celebrate the good.
Encourage correction where you are able, and with everyone be liberal
with the application of grace.
As you learn to do these things with others, you must also do them for
yourself. Strive to live to your potential, but understand not
all things work out the way you expect.
Perfection is a hard hill to hold. If you can excel at one or two
things in life you will gain the respect of your peers, but the
experience of many things will add depth, richness and joy to your life.
Seek to engage life with your best and let the results take care of
themselves. Do not -not- do things for fear that you will not do them
well. Just do them for all the experience they add to you
life. Then decide which things you want to invest the time in to
do well.
It has been said that one of the few things that people regret in their
later years are the things they tried but failed. However, one of
the most common regrets is for the things they failed to try.
Engage life, for it is a gift from God. No one knows the number
of the days in their life, but you can determine the amount of life you
live each day. Live deliberately (make things happen), and
embrace life to the full.
So hear this: wherever you go in life, whatever path your life may
follow, both your mothers and my love will always be with you.
That love is unconditional.
And as you seek to pursue God's will for you life - whatever it may be,
know this: As you do so, my blessing will rest squarely on you.
I love you, and I am -very- proud of you.
My final words are simply these: as you endeavor to walk in step with His spirit:
WALK STRONG
Love,
-Dad
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