Friday, August 1, 2014

A Letter to My Grandson Mason

I have no idea if there will be such a thing as Facebook when you are old enough to read.  It might go the way of MySpace.  You are still a few weeks from being born, but I feel the need to tell you a few things now because we never know what life has in store.  I saw your heart today, I saw your lungs and your feet and your head.  It was amazing.  God is still forming you in Pudd’s (your Mommy’s) body and He is knitting together a masterpiece.  Here are some things I want you to know son:

1.  Always remember to trust God.  Even when difficult times come along (and they will) God promised to never leave us nor forsake us.  Others may stray from their faith, they may try to sway you as well.  But keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

2.  Laugh every day.  In life you have to look for the humor.  Nobody wants to hang out with a sour puss.  Keep a sense of humor.  Find the trivial and mundane things in life something to amuse you.  The Bible says that a merry heart does good, like a medicine.  Laugh!  It’s OK!

3.  Respect others and yourself.  I don’t even know if this word will exist when you are old enough to read it.  If not, “Google” it.  Respect is both a noun and a verb.  It is a thing and an action.  Just treat others the way you want to be treated.  Respect yourself.  You are a creation of God, fearfully and wonderfully made in His image. 

4.  Boxer Briefs are the greatest invention ever.

5.  Try sports.  Pick one or two or five and try them.  Sports teach so many life lessons.   Plus most girls dig a guy in a sports uniform or letterman’s jacket.

6.  Pizza….nuf said

7.  Don’t be a rule breaker.  Life just works better when you follow the rules no matter how insane they might seem to you.  If everyone followed the rules, this world would be a better place for sure.

8.  Your actions bring rewards or consequences.  When you do something awesome (and I suspect you will do that many times) you will be rewarded in some way.  It may not be with money or gifts, it may be a smile or a “thank you” but you will be rewarded.  When you make a mistake, there are consequences.  While forgiveness will be given we still must face the consequences for bad choices and poor decision making.

9.  Learn.  Knowledge is awesome.  Don’t take shortcuts in this area.  The movie is never as good as the book.  Cliff notes might get you by on a test but won’t properly prepare you.  Soak up all the information you can.  Learn.  But don’t just learn from books.   Get out and learn by living.  Don’t be afraid to fail.  Try new stuff.  You gain knowledge from failing too.  Use the knowledge you gain, that is called wisdom. 

10.  Be a friend.  That sounds simple, but being a friend can be very complicated.  A true friend is always there no matter what.  When everyone else is leaving, a true friend is going in to help.  Sometimes being a friend means just being there and listening.  God gave us 2 ears and 1 mouth for a reason son.  Listen twice as much as you talk. 

11.  Start and end each day with scripture and prayer.  When you are old enough to read this and comprehend it, you will be old enough to have the discipline to read your Bible and pray.  Take time for God each day!  The world is a busy place and will try to eat your time.  Don’t let it take your time away from God.

12.  Family.  It’s so important.  No matter what happens, no matter where you are or what you are doing,  you always have a bond with your family that can never be broken.  You may fight, you may get upset and think your family is the dumbest bunch of people ever, but when push comes to shove, it’s your family that will always be there for you and have your back.

13.  Music is amazing.  I am sure our taste in music will not always be the same.  I will introduce you to bluegrass and southern gospel.  You may like them and you may not.  You will introduce me to something that you will call music and I will call noise.  But if it makes you feel good, listen to it.  Just turn it down if Poppy is taking a nap.

14.  At Howell’s Mill, Poppy becomes a guy known as Dean Fig.  It’s an awesome place with awesome kids and you will love it there.  It’s where you will learn a valuable lesson in serving others and making lasting relationships.  Maybe you can even learn how to be a Dean.

There is so much more that I want to tell you.  And I pray we have a lot of time so I can teach you a lot more stuff like how to throw a baseball, how to bait a hook, how to pretend you’re asleep when it’s time to clean the house, where the cookies will be hid at our house, how to tie your shoe and tie a tie, oh Mason there is so much you need to learn.  And you will.


The last thing for now that I want you to know is that no matter what, Poppy will always love you.  You are going to make mistakes, Poppy will still love you.  You are going to make bad decisions, Poppy will still love you.  You are going to some stupid stuff, Poppy will still love you.  But even better than that?  God will still love you!  And that’s the greatest lesson I could ever teach you.  God’s grace and mercy and love is unconditional.  Always remember and don’t ever forget, Poppy loves you!!!!

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