Ever since you were an infant, I've told you that I love you. By the age of two, you began to ignore that mantra, because you'd heard it repeatedly throughout the day, for 24 months straight. It was as common as breathing or the sound of wind. "Yes, I know... I heard you, dad. I know you love me."
Still I repeat, in case there were any doubt. I love you more today than yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow.
But let me explain the things I love the most:
1. Integrity
A great definition of integrity is "who you are in the dark, when nobody is watching." That's a scary thought sometimes... to be willing to ask yourself that question, and wonder if you'd be comfortable being fully exposed without fear of shame. In other words, you're the same person in front of someone as you are behind their back.
When you were in middle school, playing the violin. It always confused/angered you when your classmates only pretended to be playing their instruments at the Christmas concert. You seemed shocked that people had the audacity to stand up there and be all dressed up and receive praise for something they weren't actually doing! You seemed to be the only one who put for the effort to practice and rehearse and then to actually risk the possibility of playing the wrong note. You were going to possess what you professed. You were going to be seen and heard, showing up when everyone else proved to be silent shadows.
2. Discernment
The time and energy you spend before making important decisions, is the greatest evidence of your wisdom. There is a difference between being discerning vs being judgmental. You examine the evidence, and consider the outcomes. You weigh each possible decision based on the history and future of similar choices, and then you act accordingly.
Once upon a time we sat together on a chair lift riding to the top of Snow King Mountain in Jackson Hole. As we stood together at the top, I could see your mind rehearsing the decision to venture into the descent down an icy mountain. I bought you a sticker for your helmet: "Hold on, let me overthink this."
But the reality is, you intentionally take the time to process every inch of a decision. Ever since you were little, you were very trusting. When you learned about Jesus walking on water, I could see your eyes bulging out of your head... I knew that you could trust me, and allowed me to validate information on your behalf. But as you grew older, you began to critically analyze everything from politics to philosophy. You developed your own autonomous choices, based on the critical analysis of the information provided.
3. Agape Love
Those of us whom you have chosen to love, are locked away in a special place in your heart. You love unconditionally (agape), and as the human heart is a literal muscle, you flex with all of your might. You have a small circle, and devote your time and energy to fully love. You have a big, forgiving heart... and yes, you will bleed mercy and you will get hurt at times. You will experience both risk and reward. But you will go to your grave knowing that you loved well.
This is the greatest evidence of Jesus alive in your heart. He is living through you, in so many ways! You are selfless and unconditional in your distribution, and I pray that you truly experience the envelope of love that covers you.
As you have been a recipient, you will be a redistributor.
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