Life Lessons for my Son

My precious son,

In this life, there are so many things I want for you.  You are literally brand new.  Your life is just beginning and filled with God-given promise. I look at you and daydream of the man you'll become, and my heart soars as I anticipate all the many moments I can't wait for you to experience...and for daddy and I to experience right along with you.  

Throughout your life, I'm sure there are many lessons daddy and I will try and impart to you.  Some you'll take to heart, and some will be met with an eye roll (it's okay, I did it to my parents too).  But life is too short to not be intentional, so I took some time tonight to write down some of the most important life lessons I want you to hear....from your mama.  

Blake Louis, in this life, I want you to...

+ Laugh so hard you cry.  A lot.

+ Bask in the love of your Heavenly Father so deeply and wholly that you make the choice to accept Him into your heart.   I pray that daddy and I will get to be there with you when you do. We want to be the ones holding your hands in prayer in that eternal moment. 

+ Believe in yourself, and know that we believe in you too.  We will always be right there, in the front row seats of your life, cheering you on and letting you know at every moment how incredibly proud we are of you.  Always.

+ Be a man of integrity.  When others walk away, be the one who chooses to stay.  Be the one who makes the choice to act in love, even when it's easier not to.  Especially then. 


+ Stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.  Be strong and courageous. Have the courage of your convictions.

+ Live boldly.   Don't be afraid to fail, because it's part of life, and if you don't know what it feels like to crash and burn....you'll never truly appreciate how it feels to fly.

+ Love deeply.  Daddy and I promise to tell you every single day how much we love you, and I hope you'll do the same for your family.  This life is so short, and no tomorrow is guaranteed.  I pray you will live each day with intention and purpose, showing love with your actions and speaking it out loud every chance you have.

+ Remember that you are who you are because of the people who have come before you.  Be proud of your heritage, of the country of your birth, and of the people who have worked hard and sacrificed much to give you the freedoms you have.  Don't take it for granted.  When you see a service man or woman, who have fought for this country and sacrificed so much....you take the time to stop and thank them. 

+ Be kind.  Seemingly 'ordinary' actions can have a huge impact on someone else.  You may never know how a kind word or thoughtful action can impact another.  Live with the light of Jesus, shining brightly everywhere you go.

+ When someone hurts your feelings, live with the light of Jesus.  Instead of retaliating in anger, show them a different way.   Be the bigger person.  Choose love.

+ When you see injustice, choose to act.  Stand up when others back down.  Remember that each time you have occasion to rescue someone else, you inadvertently rescue yourself.  

+ Practice purity.  Someday, you'll meet and marry the woman God created for you.  Wait for her.  I promise, buddy, she'll be worth it.

+ Set your own moral compass.  Don't allow our society and the world we live in to dictate what you believe.  Draw your own line in the sand.  Always remember that this world is not your home.  Our citizenship is in heaven!  Live with your eyes focused solely and completely on that promise.

+ Spend time getting to know your Heavenly Father.  Just as in any relationship you'll have here on earth, it will need an investment of time to help it grow.  So talk to Him.  Spend time with Him as you study His promises.  Trust me when I tell you that you simply cannot choose a better relationship to invest in.  You'll reap rewards that far surpass your wildest dreams.

+ Choose honesty.  Be generous.  With your time, your heart, and all the blessings that are bestowed upon you in this life.  Remember the One who gave you the blessing, and with every chance you get, pay it forward.

+ Have a firm handshake.  No limp fish.  

+ Someday you'll grow up and have your own family.  Remember that the best thing you can do for your kids is to love their mom.  Model for your own sons how to treat a woman, just as your daddy does for you.

+ Be passionate.  In love, in work, and in everything you choose to invest your time in.

+ Practice gratitude.  Write thank you notes (by hand) and make sure to tell those who profoundly impact your life how much you value the role they have played.  If you let Him, God will put you on a collision course with people who will strengthen and build you up with their friendship.  Seek these people out and hold onto them.  Be grateful and humbled by their love.  And most importantly?  Love them back.

And last but not least....don't you ever forget how much you are loved.  I can't even begin to quantify it in words.

Love,
Your Mama