Spring Break Alternative

Dear B,

Once again you are embarking on a mission to help others less fortunate than you.  You have so many options available, yet you choose the one that requires hard work, sacrifice and selflessness.  Who would have known that the little boy that spent so much time in front of video games, would grow into such a kind, caring young man that places the needs of others ahead of his own.  You make me proud son.  

You have overcome tremendous odds in your life to become the person you are today.  Your work ethic, honesty and integrity illuminate your soul for all to see.  When I get tired, or lack motivation to work, I think of who you will become one day and my energy is renewed.  I picture you sitting in the front row of class, listening to the professor as he/she fills your mind with knowledge that you will one day use for the benefit of others.

I know that you have been considering your career options and as I think about your challenge of choosing a future profession, I am reminded of a parable that I often think about:

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus told a story about a master who had three servants. He was going on a trip, so he called the servants to him. He gave each of them some money. To one servant, he gave five bags of gold, to another he gave two bags of gold, and to another he gave one bag of gold. He wanted his servants to make good use of his money. He wanted them to multiply what they had into even more. After a long time, the master returned home. He called his servants to him to see what they had done with the money. The first servant whom had been given five bags of gold had doubled it—he now had ten bags of gold! The master was so pleased. He said, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” The man who had started with two bags of gold now had four! He also received praise from his master. But the man who had been given one bag of gold had hidden his money. He told his master that he was afraid of what might happen, so he dug a hole and buried the money in the ground! The master was not at all pleased with this servant. He told the servant that he had been unwise and lazy.

Today I challenge you to dedicate some time to think about what you will do with your gold.  Take a few moments this week to think about how you might use the talents God has given you.  Do not let your fears dictate your future.  Instead, envision who you want to be, then prepare to work through the challenges that lie between you and the realization of your greatest dreams.  Look into the eyes of the people you are serving and think about how you can help improve their lives.  The inspiration you seek is all around you.  Look and you will find it.

I love you B.  Have a great week!

Dad