The other day, I was reading my friend Dr. David McDonald’s book called “Broken Teeth and Pretty Smiles.” It’s a daily devotional for men and women who serve in Christian Ministry (primarily for pastors, but not exclusively). Anyways, the entry for June 21 was titled “Things I wish my kids knew.” Things you’ve got to know in your bones. Life lessons or wisdom that you want to pass onto your children.
Here is David’s list:
You cannot avoid pain.
No one can fix your life but you.
You cannot fix other people, nor can you be responsible for their happiness.
You are not your thoughts. Thoughts are just things that you have, and you can choose what you think.
Activity is the best antidepressant.
You cannot treat people poorly and expect them to excuse you for it, nor can you be grumpy or negative or depressive and expect people to endure your company … and certainly never to crave it.
The best way to live is with love, even if it’s never returned.
His list made me want to come up with a list for my children. What things do I want (or need) my kids to know? So I gave it a shot:
Walk with God all the days of your life. Adventure awaits.
Be yourself. Don’t be like everyone else (it’s boring). There is only one you on this earth—God made you unique and special.
Develop lifelong friendships. They will serve you well. This means that YOU must be a great friend in order to achieve this.
Don’t conform to the patterns or playbook of this world. It will ultimately leave you dry and unfulfilled.
Discover your God-given gifts and use them! Do not waste them, or your potential!
Character matters. Do the hard work of refining your character—especially in secret, when no one is watching.
Love others, serve others.
How about you? What would your list look like?