Dear Harrison,
Welcome to life! We’re excited you joined us for the journey!
Tash and I are sad that we couldn’t be there for your dedication. We were there in heart, if not in body. We may not always be close, but we will always think of you and pray for you. And, while it may not mean much just yet, I wanted to give you some advice for the journey ahead…
Listen to your parents. They may not be perfect, but they have walked a few miles in life and have learnt a thing or two. They have important things to teach you to give you the best start in life. And though they will tell you, take it from an Aunt and Uncle who know them, they love you more than they will ever be able to express. If you have kids one day I’m sure you will then understand.
Walk your own path in life. Comparing ourselves to others is a temptation we all struggle with. We also all think it was a dumb thing to do in hindsight. As cliché as it is, you are your own person. There is no one exactly like you. Success in life is not being more like another person, it is learning how to be more yourself. So, walk your own path and hold your head high.
Don’t stop asking questions. There are so many great things to discover and you’ll never meet a person who can’t teach you anything. Questions are your best tool for learning.
Pay attention to your emotions. I know, this is the most un-Australian-bloke bit. Most guys don’t know what to do with emotions. The problem is, ignore them, and they will end up controlling you. Be a victim to them, and they will end up controlling you. Learn to be in control of your emotions, but engage them, and they will make your life so much richer.
Treat everything in life as an opportunity. I don’t mean that you need to pretend like things never hurt or don’t go as you want. But, if you can find an opportunity in every situation, you will soon discover that life doesn’t control you. You will also probably find yourself a step ahead of the crowd.
Learn the art of Joy. Joy is not situational and it’s not found in stuff. It’s found in yourself and in discovery of God. I know, it sounds airy! Getting stuff in life is really nice. Good circumstances are too. But real, deep joy – the good stuff – is something to discover and learn. You won’t find it in things.
Value everyone you meet. Relationships really are what life is all about. The four most important phrases you will ever learn to say are, “thank you,” “I love you,” “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.” They can also be the hardest things to say, but learn them. It’s worth it.
One day you will discover women. You won’t always understand them, but you don’t need to. They can be a pretty amazing gift. If you one day get the chance to say “I do,” just do two things right; show her how beautiful she is every day and help her to discover all that she is capable of being. You’ll have the opportunity to make another person’s life rich, and if you succeed, you’ll probably also discover your life is richer as well.
I think I have filled a page so I better stop. Asking someone to read more than a page is a bit much, even if you try to make it sound all wise. So let me leave you with a blessing. This is us, showing what our heart is for you, and asking it from God coz we believe he wants the same…
May God bless you…with eyes to see all the incredible beauty around you. With strength, to fight for justice and to hold to the things which are important. With grace, to relate with kindness and to transform hurt. With Love, to live life to the full.
With Love, Uncle Dave & Auntie Tash.
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