5 Lessons I Hope My Children Learned from Me

I started a couple of weeks ago sharing from a journal I found from “Dean Fig’s Court,” a time at church camp in which we let our campers ask any questions. This week, I share from K.M. who asked, “Other than ‘church stuff’ (like God and church and stuff) what are the 5 best pieces of advice you’ve given you kids and would you give them to us?”

Of course my answer began as with “The God and STUFF is the by far the most important!” But this is what I wrote down that night that I told them and I thought I might share with you tonight before I go to bed.

1, Be sure to tell those you love that you love them. I do that daily if possible. I don’t want to leave this world with someone pondering if I loved them or not. There is no more important emotion than love, let others know.

2. Respect everyone. Regardless of how others treat you, respect them. Respect their choices, respect their decisions, respect their beliefs. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them or condone their actions, but it is their right to live their life the way they so choose.

3 In all things, show grace, mercy and forgiveness. This is possibly the most difficult part of life, but also one of the most necessary. It matters not how someone treats you. It matters not what they say about you or what they do to you, take the high road in all situations with love, grace, forgiveness and mercy given to you by your Lord. We don’t deserve it from Him and many times others don’t deserve it from us, but God gives it anyway and so should we.

4. Be you in all situations. Don’t change who you are for a boy or girl. Don’t let anyone or any situation define who you are. You are a child of the King and what He thinks is all that matters. Don’t change your dress, your desires or your dreams because of anyone else. Be you.

5. No matter what you do in life, there are choices. And with those choices can come rewards or consequences. Don’t let anybody steal your thunder, but don’t let anybody take the blame either. Own up to your mistakes, learn from them and move on with life. Never hang your head, even in defeat. Don’t brag when you win. Do your best and win or lose, give God glory and don’t give a rip about what others say about it.

I hope my kids have learned these lessons. These may not be on your top 5 list (other than all that God stuff) but I think they are the best advice I could give my kids both blood born and otherwise. God bless each of you this Lord’s day.