A 21st-century Primer:
Decide intentionally.
Listen honestly.
Disagree passionately.
Argue necessarily.
Forgive quickly.
Persuade respectfully.
Celebrate privately.
Love constantly.
All… simultaneously.
Echo chambers are loud, lonely places.
Speeches are easy. Dialogue is hard.
But there are things to learn and stories to hear if we’ll stretch.
Risk it.
Step out.
If you don’t get it quite right, try again. And again.
Just try.
I remember the start.
It was 2008. The beginning of September.
A tenth of a mile at first. Walking. Continue reading
Dear 21st-century younger person,
I’m not sure what your Monday looks like, but just a few things to think about:
You don’t have to shock your way out of your childhood.
Getting attention is no replacement for being respected.
You don’t have to evolve to be relevant in the ways that really matter.
Fame and water cooler talk are poor substitutes for the private fulfillment everyone craves.
Right and wrong are real. And either through joy or pain, we realize that both have consequences.
Your kids are going to look for role models one day. Don’t make that a tough search for them.
Nothing can match family, genuine friendship, knowing God loves you, and living on purpose for a cause greater than oneself. Surround yourself with people whose lives reflect this.
And when you’re all alone, like who you’re with.
Today’s a new day. You’re worth more.
Wanna write a book someday called Continue reading
Courage. Patience. Balance. Discipline. Empathy. Consistency. Faith. Humility. Wisdom. Trust. And about a thousand other things.
Including the willingness to develop characteristics that don’t come easy and that you don’t naturally possess.
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s hard work.
So amidst the vortex of social media political rants, gossip, vacation pics, and click-bait, be encouraged today, moms and dads. We’re going to make it. And our kids are, too.
Mistakes? Yes. Issues? Certainly. Pull-your-hair-out moments? More coming.
But, we are going to make it.
(brief pause for child-induced skepticism to pass)
One more time.
We ARE going to make it.
Having faith doesn’t mean Continue reading
Dear God,
It’s that time. Those days that signal the unofficial start Continue reading
