I have realized that people spend hours setting up an estate, buying life insurance, meeting with lawyers and planning out what goes to who when they are gone. I have never meet anyone who has purposely spent the time to write out the life lessons, big ideas, or guiding principles that they have accumulated and wish to pass along.
I want you to have these things first, I hope you have seen them in my life and I pray that you will ingrain them into yours. The fact that I want to hand them down does not mean that I have done them well or often but I have seen their value and I want them in your life.raising years I regret that I did not tell you often enough “I Love you” but I hope I did show you. I will use Art. 1 more in this regard and want you to know that I love you all.
Article I. Yesterday’s regret is useful tomorrow:
It helps me avoid mistakes in the future or inaction that should have been action, when I recognize regret and not fuss over it, but use it as a tool in fashioning my today.
Article II. “Problems”
If there is a “problem” assume it is yours and not someone else’s. If it is yours then you may be able to fix it. If it is “someone else’s problem” then you can’t fix it.
Article III. Don’t put things off too long.
They may never happen if you don’t use the excitement of the moment to do, and not just say. (This doesn’t mean you should not…) See Art. 4
Article IV. Think things through
Chess is a great game, play it whenever possible. As you play notice that you do best when you have a plan or are playing 2 or three moves ahead of your opponent rather than simply reacting to your opponent. Do that in life too, don’t just react to what happens to you, Think it through, and make your moves with purpose.
Article V. Commitment is in the top 5
Of character traits that are most important to develop. Whether it is to work, your spouse or our God, my commitment to them is not a one time event, but a daily and thoughtful or purposeful way of life. The one you are committed to should never spend a moment wondering if they have been replaced.
Article VI. If you can’t do what you like,
Then like what you do. Most people, me included never find that job that they “love” but it only means that I needed to develop a mind set of liking what I do. 20 years of that and you can look back and say “I love my work”.
Article VII. Chazaq Aments
Be strong and courageous. An ancient war cry of the people of Israel, given in momentous times to remind them of who they are and that the “Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Dt.31:6, Jos.1:9, 2Sa 2:7, 1Ch 19:13, 2Ch25:8
Article VIII. This is who you are:
A Pilgrim going home, An Ambassador of Christ and a Vicious witness. Live like it!
Thoughts I want to pass on -Dad
Very well put, Scott.