5 Things to Let Kids Know Before They Grow Up

As read in one of the comments, Karen has tagged me to do a meme and because I like the topic, I will respond accordingly.

Here are the Meme instructions:

I've been thinking lots about the things that I want my kids to know before "they grow up" and thought this is a good thing to meme on...
Those tagged will share 5 Things You Want Your Kids To Know "Before They Grow Up."

Those tagged will tag 5 people.

Those tagged will leave a link to their meme in the comments section of Claire's post so everyone can keep track of what's being posted.
PS You DONT have to have kids to do this... "

When I think about what I want my kids to know, I can say this is true not only for my son Nathan but also for my students and even other kids who are in my circle of influence. I'm not sure that I can think of 5 but if I do one point at a time, it's all likely to come out in the wash. The following are not in order of preference - I just type it as it comes to me.

1. No matter what career you undertake, who you are is more important and you need to be the best you can be. Be an adult of integrity who takes pride in his/her work knowing ultimately that you are doing this work as a service to the Lord.
2. Always treat others with respect, dignity and kindness. Something I have learnt especially these last ten or so years is that people are never out of your life for good. They might not be back for 5, 10 or even 30 years but they have a sphere of influence and it is likely they will be back. Make sure you can look them in the eye (and their family's) knowing that you have always treated them well. Also remember this includes friendships formed on the internet - this is a small world and it's quite possible that you know someone who knows someone, who knows someone and it will come back to you.
3. God's grace is always available to you. No matter what you've done wrong, no matter if you 'should have known better', or even if your "position" is one of leadership in the Christian community, take hold of His grace because it's there for you.
4. God has a purpose and a plan for your life and even when all is dark and confusing around you, hold on to that knowledge because He will turn it around for good for those who love Him. He knows what's going to happen, He knows you intimately and He will carry you through it.
5. You are loved! There are people in your life who love you to bits because you are uniquely you. You have friends, family and others praying for you because they love you. God loves you too!

Now for the five people I would like to see do this meme. I tag: Paul, Kareen, Art, David and Tammy. I chose them because I want to read their answers and think they'd all have something interesting to say. That's not to say that I wouldn't want to read your answers either, so if I didn't nominate you, please feel free to take up the challenge and let me know. I was also going to nominate Jennifer, Rachel and Pam so please you 3 feel free to do this meme. :)


Oh and this is a photo of my mum and me taken in about 1994. Just in case you were wondering.

This photo of Nathan, mum and I was taken at about the end of 1996.