An Open Letter to My Teenagers

Not long ago, I was walking through the aisles at a local grocery store in Alpharetta when I stumbled upon a group of teenagers trying to answer the age old question: should our munchies be "salty or sweet." The pungent odor of marijuana emanated from their hooded sweatshirts and jeans. Normally, I am a person that minds my own business, but something that day perturbed me. Could it be that now I am the father of two teenagers?

I rudely interrupted their conversation and said, "Hey, guys. You are so young! Why are you ruining your life with pot?" Actually, the kids were quite polite. "Sir, it's easier for us to buy pot at school than it is cigarettes here in this store. What would you do?"

Then, a rare occurrence happened: I was speechless. I dropped my head. I walked away. What kind of world do we live in? My heart was broken for these young adults that have the whole world in front of them. But I was forced to stop, think, and then write this Open Letter to MY Teenagers. Let me say that I love you. I deeply and passionately adore you, and there is hardly a day that I fail to thank God for the incredible gift of you! You bring joy and gladness into my heart. I am proud of you! Again, I say, "I LOVE YOU!" But as I survey this crazy world that we live in, there are some things that I long to see bloom in your life. 

1. A passionate pursuit in your relationship with God. You are wonderful children, but my heart burns with a desire to see in you an all-consuming desire to know and understand and live in a deep relationship with God. Don't settle for the hollow pursuits of this world; the pleasures of this world will seduce you, the possessions of this world will cry out to you, the pursuits of this world will beckon you. But nothing will satisfy your soul but a life built on the foundation of relationship with God. The world will tell you to chase "The American Dream," but I promise there will be more contentment, fullness, and joy in pursuing God's Dream for your life.

2. A constant chase after excellence.The world will tell you that "okay" is "okay" as long as you are okay with it. The world will tell you that mediocrity is the norm,and luke-warmness is now acceptable. Don't settle for second best! Don't settle for just getting by! Don't settle for merely making it! Be excellent in all that you set your hand to do.

3. A relentless race after the mission of God. As you move into adulthood, there will be so many distractions. Where will you go to college? Whom will you marry? Where will you work? But never forget the mission of God! Jesus came to seek and to save the lost. That should be your motto and your mission. Remember, this life is not about you, but about His glory.

There are so many people that need the Good News that you possess. Don't become hardened by the circumstances of this life, but be filled with compassion for a hurting, helpless, and hapless world. There are so many other things I should tell you, like "don't spit into the wind," and "let a sleeping dog lay," but children, please do not forget these three things. Practice them, pursue them, LIVE THEM! And you will know what it means to really live.

I love you. And though I would give anything or do anything for you, I would never trade the world for you. You have begun to run a good race. Finish it well! Love, Dad