20 Truths I Desire my Children to Remember

My children are getting older. When I first started writing I wrote about my motherhood struggles and of the waking hours, the weary and the worries.

We have transitioned from those years and have moved into the years of what I call 'flight training' years. As my children get older they begin to practice flying from the nest. They spend more time with friends, have sleepovers, youth camp, school and outside activities. They start to go off for weeks at a time and sooner than later, flight training will be over and they will be taking flight and flying away.

While we are in training here are a few things I want my kids to know now as they practice for that final flight. I hope that if they know and understand these truths now, they will be able to soar even higher later. (Check out the Free Tools page to create your own Truth List).

20 Truths I desire my children to  remember for when we are apart and always.

 1. Always be polite. Be overly polite. It will get you further and keep you humble.

2. Respect your elders. They deserve your respect simply for having lived and walked on this earth longer than you. They have worked hard and have learned much. Respect them.

3. Be a proud American. It doesn't matter how crazy this country can get or who is in office, be proud to be an American. It is the freedom of our United States, freedom bought by the bloodshed of many men and women, this freedom was given freely to your grandparents over 50 years ago. By God's great grace and the fundamental rights of this country, they were given freedom and a new beginning. Be Proud of this nation that you are so lucky to live in.

4. Take lots of pictures. Memories and pictures are all you have when it's over.

5. Remember the hardest part is walking through the door. If you have an opportunity or an open door, the scariest part isn't what's on the other side...It is simply getting past the door. Walk through it and that is half the battle!

6. Do it scared. The best stuff of life is sometimes scary, filled with uncertainties and what if's. You don't know how it will work out or what is going to happen, but when you do it anyway, the scared is always worth it. Promise.

7. Say hello. The best way to make a friend is to say hello. Everyone can use more friends. Usually, people will say hello back! The best of friends come after the hello!

8. You never know what another person is struggling with or what battles they have faced, so always be kind.

9. Breathe. Pause. Look around. Take it all in. In those special moments take a breath, soak it all in and think about how you want to remember this time forever. You have so many of these moments coming...traveling, graduation, moving into your dorm, your first job, getting married...children..Breathe. Pause. Look around. Remember.

10. Look for God in everything. He is in all things. He is the summer breeze, the crisp in the air when fall fades into winter, the laughter, the good movies and even better books...search for God and you will find Him.

11. Listen for the story. Everyone has a story to tell. A persons story says so much of who they are, their beliefs, dreams and ideals, hurts, pain and heart. Listen to peoples stories. Ask to hear the stories and you will never lack inspiration and purpose.

12. Read your bible every day. Get scripture into your soul. It will be your comfort in times of trouble. It will remind you of your purpose and your truth.

13. Listen to worship music. Let that be what you listen to 80% of the time. This is the music that will come to your mind when you need peace, solace and strength. It is built upon scripture and nothing soothes the soul more in times of trials than the song that enters your heart and reminds you of truth and grace.

14. Pray all the time. Get into the habit of constantly talking to God. Remember He keeps you Breathless, so breathe out prayers and breathe in love.

15. Don't ever believe you are done. If you still have breath in your lungs, God has a purpose for you. Run after that purpose till you are out of breath!

16. Remember who you are. You are a part of a great family, legacy and story. Believe that those who have gone before you are cheering you on.

17. Shine for God's approval. Don't look for anyone else's approval or praise, but Gods. Take what He has given you, your gifts and talents and bring Him glory!

18. None of us are perfect. Don't ever think you have to be perfect. People will always let you down, but God is always faithful.

19. Remember that God sees the big picture. Trust Him.

20. You are so dearly loved. You are loved by your parents, your family, but mostly loved by your God. You are HIS beloved one.

one more bonus...

21. You were created for this time, for this season to be a world changer. You are my world and you have already changed it for the better! Go into the world and bring into it kindness, truth, justice, Jesus, and change one persons world and then another and then another. Run your race and make it a good one.

If my children can get these truths into their soul, so that they know who they are, their purpose and so that they can trust their own faith before they fly from my nest, then I will know I have done my best. I have equipped them, purposed them, discipled them and given them a strong foundation. And in the end, as they strengthen their wings, ready to soar like wings on eagles, they will look fondly over our time together and know they didn't have a perfect mom, but they had a praying mom. A mother who needed Jesus so much, it was through her imperfections that she taught them to be dependent on God and trust Him. And, no matter where they go, they will always know they have a nest to come home to.