You are a complete joy to our family!  

You were born during the COVID pandemic, a time when people had more fear and anxiety than intelligence and common sense.  The day you were born, JJ and I met your mama and dad in front of the hospital at 5:00 AM. We took a quick picture, then JJ and I sat outside in the parking lot with an eye on the room where your mama would be after you were born.  

It seemed like forever, but it really wasn’t very long before your dad texted.  He came to the fourth-floor window of the hospital and held you up in his arms.  It was too far away to see you, but we knew that both you and your mom were fine.  Moreover, we loved you instantly! 

Since that December day two and a half years ago, you’ve grown like a weed. Really, you’ve grown too fast, little man. One day you’ll look back on time and know what I mean.      

Such is life, Asher.  It is but a vapor, here today, gone tomorrow.

Some days, particularly when you are young, drag by.  But if the Lord extends grace and you grow old, the same days will fly by.  Treasure each one. Every day is a gift.  Every moment is a living treasure.

There’s no way to say all I want to share, so let me whittle it down to just a few things I feel impressed to tell you.

First, do your best Asher, in everything you do.  

Anyone can go halfway and just get by.  Don’t go halfway.  Don’t just get by.  Give 100%!  Go full steam ahead with your very best in all that you do!  If you only go halfway, one day you will look back and wonder what could have been.  Give it your all, then one day you will look back and know you did your best, no matter where the chips may fall.

Second, know that some things, in fact most things, we cannot control.  It often goes against our human nature not to feel in control, but the truth is, there is little you can truly control. 

It is far superior to be able to influence situations and people than try to control them.  Control is a feeble attempt to mask our own insecurities, but positive influence is a mark of a true leader. If you want to make a difference, resist trying to control others, and rather walk the walk yourself and lead others in a positive direction.  

Asher, this is the most important thing I can share with you.  If I could give you a gift of gifts for your entire life right now, I would give the gift of seeking wisdom.  Knowledge is great, but knowledge can make someone puff up in pride.  Wisdom, on the other hand, is worth far more than pure gold.  

Seek wisdom!  Get wisdom!  Grab it, hold it and take it as part of your soul.  Wisdom Asher, gives direction in when, where, what, and how you speak!  It directs your emotions and actions before you do what you do. Live your life in wisdom!

The best place to find wisdom is in the Bible.  Genuinely go beyond seeking wisdom and grab hold of it.  Memorize big hunks of the Bible. Memorize the book of Proverbs, all of it, and the book of James, which is like the New Testament version of Proverbs.

Memorize a chapter, word for word, and quote it to someone who will hold you accountable.  After you memorize it, go to the next chapter.  Don’t worry about trying to keep it perfect in your mind or quote it word for word forever.  Just go to the next chapter.  When you need it, those verses will pop out of a brain wrinkle and give you insight, direction and answers exactly when you need it.    

To boot, there are many blessings and wonderful consequences for memorizing Scripture!  Do it, Asher!  It will truly make a difference throughout your entire life!

One more thing, watch your mama! (And by the way, you are a spitting image of her right now!)  Watch and learn from your mother.    Listen to your dad.  They both have some excellent character traits they live out.  Learn those positive character traits.  Take them as your own and follow their lead.  They always want the best for you!

Actually Asher, your entire, extremely large, imperfect but loving family wants the best for you!  You have a huge support network and a ton of folks in the grandstands cheering you on!

Go seize the day, grandson! There are great things in store for you!

Love always,

Pawpaw