Thinking...

What is success? What is it measured in? Honestly, these are questions I think about often.

Is success an achievement of social recognition? Is it a dollar amount listed on a bank statement? Is it measured in how many friends are on your friends list? Is it what you drive or where you live? Is it the success of your children? And if that is it, then how do we measure whether they are successful? Didn’t go to jail before age 17? Cleans their room and brushes their teeth? Is better than other kids?

Anywho, I started thinking about what I wanted for my children (obviously I think a lot). Since I love them third most in the world (God first, wife second, children third, come on people keep up), I thought about what I wanted for them and maybe that would give me a better picture.

First and foremost I want them to develop and continue growing a relationship with Jesus Christ. I want it to be real and I want them to strive daily to become like Christ. Not doing something to please someone else but finding what the Bible says about Christ and falling hopelessly in love with Him. To be frank, the rest of the list happens because of this one. And if we all knew Christ and what the bible says about him I wouldn’t even have to say anything else buuuuuuuut I will anyway just so the blog isn’t too short and not because of any other reason.

I want them to be grateful of every breath they take and everything that comes with it. Grateful that they didn’t have everything but always had more than enough. Grateful that they have both seen places in this world that some people may never see. Grateful that their family is extremely (sometimes excruciatingly) close. Grateful that their parents weren’t like everyone else’s even when it seemed to limit their fun. Grateful that they never have to look outside their God and their family for love but are encouraged to do so knowing that if something doesn’t work out then they are still loved.

Because of gratefulness I want them to be givers. I want them to feel compelled to serve from the depths of their heart. Never desiring to be served but looking for places to serve. As simple as a helping hand to a stranger like opening a door or as world changing as volunteering in their local church. I want them to wake up every day looking for a way to be a better person.

I want them to work hard. At everything! Giving their best at school, at work, at sports, at family, at church, in worship! Vince Lombardi said, “The harder you work, the harder it is to quit.” I want that attitude in them. I want them to know that the world keeps score but they can’t. The score doesn’t determine effort. If they are breathing I want them working, fighting, never giving up.

Which brings this non-exclusive list to a close. What I don’t want for them… I don’t want them to ever consider themselves as victims. Victims have no responsibility. Victims have no reason to try. Victims don’t have choices except being a victim. When bad things happen (and good things) I want them to do four things.

1. Look to Jesus the author and finisher of their faith
2. Be grateful. It’s simply the best option
3. Give. As long as you are holding on to something your hands aren’t in a position to receive anything.
4. Work hard. Quitters quit. Enough said.

Hmmmmm, I wonder if this list would work for me to? I may have to try it!

Pastor Dad