My wife and I have five children that God has blessed our home with. I also have a grown child from a previous marriage. As the father of 6 children I often think about what I want them to learn from me. What lessons can I give them that will help them lead productive and purposeful lives.
Below are the Top 10 Things I hope my children learn:
10. Be an Encourager - There are enough complainers and doubters in the world. Be a person who is known for your encouraging words and actions. It will not only help the people around you, it will also open up a world of possibilities for you.
9. Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously - The more comfortable you are with yourself, the more others will be comfortable with you.
8. Be a Problem Solver - Learn to not only identify problems but to also create solutions. This, too, will open new possibilities for you.
7. Take Care of Your Body - You only have one - and it needs to last a lifetime. Develop habits to make sure you stay healthy and protect this important asset.
6. Never Stop Learning - Develop a thirst for knowledge. It will be a powerful tool for you regardless of what career you choose.
5. Don't be a "Wage Slave" - Develop the skills and abilities to create your own financial future. Don't be dependent on a job. If you are an employee, make sure you are one on your terms, not the employers. Whether you are 20 or 40, being dependent on another for your financial security is a bad situation.
4. Express Your Gratitude - This is more than just saying "Thank you." It means you protect and grow the blessings you have been given.
3. Don't be Afraid - The Bible says, "Perfect love eliminates fear." Let the love of your family, friends, and of God energize you to action and fill you with confidence.
2. Serve God by Serving Others - The true measure of our devotion to God is how well we serve others - in every area of our lives.
1. Have Faith - In today's world, it is common for faith to be ridiculed. Many see it as a rejection of reason. I believe faith is the extension of reason. It is what we could if we had perfect knowledge. Faith, rather than holding us back, is what propels us forward as individuals, communities, and as a society.
