About once a month I send each of my sons an email. The emails are sent to unique inboxes setup soon after they were born.

The emails range from current events/activities, to a specific moment in which I was proud and wanted to share, to a simple "I love you and was thinking about you". Sometimes I attach a few pictures to properly capture the moments, others it's a few simple words.

One day when they are older, perhaps after high-school graduation, I will give them the email address and password. This will unlock years of thoughts, love, images, and encouragement for them to peruse at their leisure. I hope it brings them joy as they read through my dated words. If anything, they will know, without a doubt, their father loves them dearly.

I say all this, because at the end of each email, I found myself signing off in a similar, unintentional fashion. Something to the extent of:
"I cannot wait to see the man you have become. I pray you are confident and kind. Know who you are, but don't be arrogant. Treat everyone you encounter with kindness, but do not be a push over."

This has since, simply become: "In all things, be confident and kind."

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As I was researching and writing this post, I came across a speech by Jim Rohn called "How to Have Your Best Year Ever". In this instance, he was speaking in regards to leadership, however, it is fitting and right inline with the lesson today:

"The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not a bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly."
-Jim Rohn