My boy!  I love you, Hunter.

My boy! I love you, Hunter.


While on an airplane departed to Colorado for a family ski trip over New Years in 2011, I typed my eldest son, Hunter a letter. I started this letter to give to him for his sixteenth birthday. The letter consisted of many life lessons and a “how to live” theme. The letter wasn’t ever finished and was never given to him.
I have communicated many of the matters and beliefs that I inscribed in the letter innumerable times throughout his life. But, it wasn’t until this past December that I sat down with Hunter and prayerfully and sincerely read it word for word to him. Looking at the date that the entry was created, it was exactly four years to the day that I first typed my thoughts to when I actually shared it with him.
A few words that were scattered throughout the letter were:

  • Respect
  • Manners
  • Pray
  • Communicate
  • Forgive
  • Be kind and gracious
  • Family
  • Friends
  • Christian (self, future spouse, and friends)
  • Seek your passions and pursue them
  • Work hard
  • Opportunities
  • Choices
  • Remember who you are and Whose you are
  • Put God first in your life and He will take care of the rest

When I read the scripture for today, my thoughts went to my four year old message to Hunter.

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So your new life should be like this: Show mercy to others. Be kind, humble, gentle, and patient.” Colossians 3:12

Furthermore, Tim McGraw’s new single, “Humble and Kind”, began whirring in my mind. Here’s the lyrics:

You know there’s a light that glows by the front door. Don’t forget the key’s under the mat, Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind.

Go to church ’cause your momma says to. Visit grandpa every chance that you can. It won’t be wasted time. Always stay humble and kind.

Hold the door, say please, say thank you. Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but, Always stay humble and kind.

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you. When the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride but, Always stay humble and kind.

Don’t expect a free ride from no one. Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why. Bitterness keeps you from flyin’. Always stay humble and kind.

Know the difference between sleeping with someone, And sleeping with someone you love. “I love you” ain’t no pick up line, so Always stay humble and kind.

Hold the door, say please, say thank you Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie. I know you got mountains to climb but, Always stay humble and kind.

When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you. When the work you put in is realized. Let yourself feel the pride but, Always stay humble and kind.

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle. Shut off the AC and roll the windows down. Let that summer sun shine. Always stay humble and kind.

Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you. When you get where you’re goin. Don’t forget turn back around. And help the next one in line. Always stay humble and kind. (azlyrics.com)

This song was beautifully written and sang.
Throughout my life I’ve discovered (and still learning) that besides being humble and kind, if we put and seek God first in our lives and love Him with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength everything WILL fall into place. To God be all the glory!

“What you should want most is God’s kingdom and doing what he wants you to do. Then he will give you all these other things you need.” Matthew 6:33

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5

I pray that you will enjoy soaking up The Son every moment of each day. –Stephanie
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Click here to see the official video to “Humble and Kind”.