On seeing his first grandchild shortly after his birth, my grandpa went home and penned the following. Although I've often fallen short, this is on many levels how I would aspire to live.
Walk uprightly and fear no man . . .
Yet be meek and humble in the sight on the Lord.
Be honest and fair at all times, as Truth
is a virtue recognized by all men.
Be tolerant of the shortcomings of others,
secure in the knowledge that Christ is the only perfect man.
Be charitable to those less fortunate than yourself
and share with them your talents and worldly goods.
Be kind to the weak and infirm,
lending them your strength in their need.
Honor your parents always and do
nothing that will lead them into sorrow.
Be faithful to all trusts to be able to live peacefully with yourself.
Be obedient to recognized authority with the knowledge that
someday the responsibility of leadership will be yours.
Cultivate temperance in your tastes
to more fully enjoy the wide range of living.
Avoid sham and pretense,
since four flushers are despised by all men.
Be courageous in the face of adversity,
knowing a coward dies a thousand times,
but a brave man only once.
Seek counsel from those of proven wisdom,
keeping the Bible as your guide in the path of righteousness.
Keep always the faith
with the Lord as your Savior.
Observe the rules and do your best at all times,
Play hard and play to win.
In losing, if you must lose, do so without complaint
and in winning, win like you are accustomed to it!
We, who are your rooters, will be ever on the sidelines
to add cheers to the acclaim when you succeed.
Should your efforts be unavailing, we will
also be there to provide comfort when the applause of the
crowd follows the victor of the moment.
My prayers are with you, along with the understanding and
love that are needed by grown men,
as well as, by little boys.
May the Lord keep you and protect you
all the days of your life.
-F.W. Tesche
