You Choose

Here are some lyrics to one of my favorite Paul Overstreet songs:

I'm seein' my father in me

I guess that's how it's meant to be

And I find I'm more and more like him each day

I notice I walk the way he walks

I notice I talk the way he talks

I'm startin' to see my father in me

I remember answering the phone in the months after my Dad died. I scared a few people because they thought I was Dad (resurrected). I had acquired his voice, inflections, and many of his mannerisms and habits. I was kind of proud of that, because I loved and admired much about him.

Being a dad is fantastic, being a grandfather is even fantasticker! However, there is one sort of horrifying reality that I have noticed. My children have taken on not only some of my admirable traits, but perhaps also some of my glaring flaws of character. I cringe when I realize that my example may be impairing the growth and happiness of a loved one. I'm not sure what I can do about it, but here's what I'm going to try.  I am going to attempt changing a few things about me that I don't like.  I hope you'll notice over the years and effect change in yourselves as well. Also, I'm going to give advice occasionally (Surprise!) and I ask that you consider it and adjust. I'm also going to ask that everyone consider that taking on the traits of another person is a choice; please choose carefully. I'm okay with seeing myself in each of you, but it hurts when I don't see my 'best self' emulated.

Here's some advice.  We all limit ourselves by fear, especially fear of failure.  One of my biggest challenges-- let's work on that.  

"Failure seldom stops you. What stops you is the fear of failure."-- Jack Lemmon

I am constantly AMAZED at the beauty, talent, compassion, and fabulous potential that each of you possess. Be brave, be bold, have the courage to try everything, anything. . . you will succeed.  And your occasional failures will teach you and mold you into someone more wonderful and wise than before.