A Letter to My Future Adult Children

Well, here we are, kids. I can still call you “kids”, right? Then again should I even have to ask that question? Really, I mean, if I changed your diapers when you were babies, then aren’t I deserving? Now that I think of it, lets be fair, you’re adults and presumably married in the future, which means you are more than likely taking advantage of your mother and I by bestowing upon us babysitting duties every other weekend with your young children. That is basically a part-time job of which you are not paying us. Therefore, I can still call you whatever I wish. Ok ok, let me relax – if you know your father then you know that once his brain gets going…ohhh it gets going. Sidenote, can these cheesy-like jokes be considered dad jokes if one’s children are not even alive yet??? Mind blown? I digress.

I am writing this letter in the year 2020. Seven years ago I wrote a similar letter to your mother titled A Letter to My Future Wife of 50 Years [Link Here]. I love your mother more than you know. This current letter, however, is to you in the future – our young adult children.

Until my dying breath, I thank God for you. I don’t know how many of you there will be. Neither am I aware of what gender or how many are adopted. That said, regardless, I am very proud of you even as I write this letter today. For God has already placed a love for you in my heart. Isn’t it crazy how God has wired us?

I have a few things to say to you:

First things first, is rap music still a thing? Does Justin Bieber’s son have his own Disney Channel television show? Can you send your mother and I somewhere nice and expensive for our next big anniversary? Please answer those questions carefully.

In addition:

• Tell jokes whenever the time is right. Tell jokes and stories that border on lies. If you tell jokes when the time isn’t right, well that is a good thing too.
• Tell the truth. Or at least do not lie. Always always always lean on truth even when the immediately foreseeable outcome is bad as a direct result of telling the truth.  You see, if you act in truth then the eventual order you produce down the line will be good regardless of how it appears at the current moment.
• Believe in the myths told in books and movies. The magical myths within fairy tale stories are not an end in themselves nor are they lies. Myths are the opposite of a lie. Myths convey the essential truth of the primal reality of life itself. The stories point to the archetype of Christ. Human creativity and imagination is God’s image in us for us to soak in.
• Seek for what is meaningful in life. Do not search for mere happiness or convenience. This includes the old adage, “do not settle”. Ultimately, you will always find the truest meaning in Christ. This will always sustain you. This will fulfill you.
• Learn as much history as soon as you can. History is God’s artistic canvas on display for us to watch. There is power and protection in that. Man tells his story with words while God tells His story with history.
• Think for yourself and do not let mankind dictate what you believe. As 2 Corinthians would say, “examine your faith and honestly test yourselves” to make sure you are going in the right direction. This passage applies to all of life. Therefore, pay attention to the direction that you are walking and to who is guiding you. Periodically ask yourself, “What remarkably stupid things am I doing on a regular basis that are/can screw up my life”? Decide that you want to know the answer to that question.
• Keep in contact with your friends. This will be tougher as you get older. Befriend people who want the best for you. Surprise them. Show grace. Call them out when they are wrong. Demand them to call you out as well. Encourage them. Be encouraged by them. 
• Travel and Learn a new language. Dive deep into different cultures and swim in learning about them. Other cultures will broaden you life by bringing in newness. Listen to worship songs in other languages. 
• Talk to the elderly when you encounter them on the street. Do not take this one so lightly. Sit with them and listen to what they have to say even if it comes off as nonsense. Assume that they know something that you do not.
• Tell your mother that you love her every chance you can. She is your most unique best friend and your biggest fan.
• Constantly increase your faith in the Lord. Be bold and courageous in Him.

 

If you can tell, even now I am taking things quite lightheartedly. Life is a complex matter, my children. There will ups and down as if your spiritual walk is a roller coaster at times. There is an element of life which is suffering. The Bible is clear on this fact and history proves it.  So stand up straight with your shoulders back, do not complain, pick up your suffering and bear it so that you do not make it worse. Try to reduce the suffering and start with yourself by not acting/thinking like a victim. Every human being is a victim – deal with it. Be a better person by leaning on the power of the Holy Spirit. In doing this it will always be alright.

As you are reading this in the future I am likely an old man. We have had many arguments over the years because that is a part of being a family. I am sure there are some of your life choices that I have disagreed with – and that is ok. We are all still growing. Philippians 1:6 says that “He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ”; meaning that everything is going to work out in the end. I am sorry for the times that I messed up with each of you. I am sorry for the times I came off as unloving. I am thankful for the good times to come. I am for you.

I pray that you know the peace of God. Be kind and true, my blessed children.