[From Guest Writer #7 in our annual summer series…]
The following is a recent question that was posed to me: “What advice would you give to a young person today?” Well, I suppose that as a mom of three, a grandmother of thirteen, and the many students who sat in my high school classroom during my career of 30 years were ample qualifications.
The first advice that came to mind was to be sure to observe the three rules of speech before speaking: Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary? Oh, what problems would be avoided if these rules were observed.
Next came: Live simple so that others may simply live. What a difference that would make in our consumption of stuff!
Then: Love it the answer; never mind the question. Less judgment and more compassion. Less criticism and more caring.
Now where do I go? Yes, I could write a narrative of advice based on my own experiences, but then I thought that young readers are not interested in any narratives. And then, do only young people need advice? Can we all learn from adages we come across, adages that stick with us as we journey through life? So, no narrative, but just a list that may apply to any reader, regardless of age.
The list is in random order written upon my own reflection, and it is a list I could add to often. So I begin:
Make wise decisions… remember that every decision has consequences, so consider them. A poor choice can have life-long impact and regrets.
Just because you can does not mean you should.
Put your phone away when you are talking with others. It is rude and disrespectful.
Be kind. Be truthful. Be honest.
Listen to others, even those with whom we disagree. When all think alike, no one thinks. We do not learn when we can hardly wait to hear what we will say next.
Build bridges, not walls.
Children deserve parents who are mature adults and who love them unconditionally for who they are, individuality included.
You can be right but still be wrong.
Love, support, and encourage your family. They are there for you…all the time. Be there for them all the time.
Use your talents to serve others. Be as generous as you can be. Selfishness is a loser.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Forgive… carrying a grudge/anger is a heavy burden that only hurts the one who nurses and rehearses it. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.
Begin your day with prayer. Close your day with prayer.
Drive safely…full attention on the road…watch the speed limit…for yourself and the precious cargo you may have with you.
John 14:6.
Make the most important the important. Faith and family come first.
Marriage is a gift to be treasured and nurtured every day.
Be the best version of who you are wherever you are.
People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
Scripture tells us our bodies are a temple, so don’t abuse it. That means committing to healthy diets, exercise, hydration, sleep, limits on alcohol consumption… any indulgence that affects our health physically, spiritually, or mentally. Moderation in all things!
Practice gratitude.
Keep learning. Manage money carefully… spend some; give some; save some… this works.
And…
Marriage and parenting are both rewarding and challenging. They bring unbelievable joy and effort. Commitment is needed through its joys, tears, hugs, hurts, smiles, laughter, time, attention… and sometimes commitment to commitment to navigate any or all of the above. Love faithfully and completely. I have been blessed beyond measure to be both wife and mother. That would be my hope for my readers!
Thanks, Intramuralist; maybe other readers will add to the list. I invite sharing. And have a good break!
Respectfully…
DDL