A Letter to My 13-year-old Son

Thirteen years ago today, the Lord blessed us with a son, and He has been teaching us what that means ever since then.  Brogan has been such a huge help to us - he is always there to help, teach his siblings, and humor us all.  Hopefully, this letter expresses my deep love, devotion, admiration for my son.

"Brogan,

You are entering the next chapter in your life.  During the next 10 years or so, you will own the Faith, you will decide on a life calling, you will begin to think of the businesses you want to own and will begin to have a very good idea as to the qualities of a godly help-meet.  These are tall and exciting demands on the young Christian man.  The good news is that the Scriptures give us a framework for help in these areas.

Pray often: A godly man, is a man of prayer.  Men don't naturally want to pray - they want to do it all themselves.  The Lord has other ideas for us.  As we read, "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." Colossians 4:2-4

Before they call I will answer;
        while they are yet speaking I will hear.
(Isaiah 65:24)

Secondly, we are to Read often: Read and benefit from the wisdom of other people.  A man of God is a humble man and seeks the wisdom of others.  There are many good authors available that will provide much comfort and godly knowledge for your use in every area of life.  Above this, read scripture - continually.  Reading the very words of God is to be in the presence of God.  "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Tim 3:16) (Psalm 111:10) (Duet 6:7)

Finally, Work often:  There isn't anything tricky or fancy about this.  It's rather simple:  Just Work Hard. A Man is called to work hard and honestly.  A man is also called to work hard - and it's a good thing.  You will never be happy with mediocrity in this area.  Consider the following,  "and to aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12

"From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him." Proverbs 12:14

But above all of these things, remember that "In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will (Eph 1:7)".

You have already exhibited all of these traits and your mom and I are profoundly grateful to you and your God for all that you've become and will be.

Love you,

Dad."

Comments

[Bret]

Most excellent. Brogan is blessed to have the Dad and Mom he has.

Thank you.