A growing list of wisdom that I have learned over the years.
Never lay a hand on a woman.
Enunciate when you speak.
Look a man in the eyes when shaking his hand.
Use a firm grip when shaking hands with another man.
Do all things with excellence, even when no-one is around to see it, and even if you are not being paid for it.
When borrowing a vehicle from a friend, always return it with more gas than it started with.
Learn to speak professionally and respectfully when engaging with a job or business related issue. Even if the person you are speaking to is a friend, learn to know when it is acceptable to speak to them as a friend vs a co-worker or boss.
If you do work for someone and it is not to their liking(within reason), you fix it at no additional charge(again, within reason).
When you leave a job site of any kind, always leave it looking better than when you arrived. Leave no trace, as if you were never there.
You are always leading someone, even if you don't see them watching.
Everything we do communicates something to somebody. Make sure you are communicating honorably.
Your kids are more aware than you think they are, and they see and hear more than you think they do.
Always be teachable. There will most likely always be someone who knows more than you do about something.
Always be humble. Otherwise you will end up alone with no healthy relationships and no job.
Learn the difference between cockiness and confidence. Cockiness is self-absorbed, boastful, and talks too much. Confidence stays humble and allows the results to speak FOR you.
Being selfless and diligent should always be a genuine character trait that you are known for by other people. Ask the Spirit to grant you this in your heart. Because these are not traits that you can fake for very long. You will eventually become exhausted from it, unless it is driven by true love granted to you from the Spirit.
Learn the difference between being a servant, and being a push over. One is driven by humility and selflessness like Jesus expressed, and one is driven by the need to be liked and approved by other people.
The only approval you NEED is God the Father's. Which has been given through the finished work of Jesus, and has been extended to all who have had their hearts won over by His love.
If you are receiving approval of others, be sure that it is because you have integrity, are faithful, and diligent. Not because you always say "yes".
Learn to say no to people, and learn to do it sooner than later. Your wife and family will benefit greatly from it.
"There is nothing more freeing than being fully known and still delighted in" - Matt Chandler Don’t be afraid to be real about your sin and struggles with your spouse, and trust worthy friends. Believe me, it’s the greatest thing you’ll ever experience.
It is far more valuable to have a few friends who fully know you and still desire your friendship, than to have a bunch of people assume you have it all together.
Do not let your story be more about you and what you have done, but rather, about God the Father and what He has done through you and for you.
Jesus is the better hero. Follow His example more than others.
God is the better Father. Follow His example more than others.
Jesus would be a better husband than you. So follow His example of love and selflessness.
It’s a nice habit to have to hug your wife before other people when you enter a room. It’s just a nice way to remind her that she is loved and valued most. :)
Never stop complimenting your wife on anything.
Never stop being physically affectionate to your wife. You don't be a perv every time, although sometimes it's perfectly acceptable. :)
Always put the needs of your family before your own.
Learn a reasonable balance when it comes to serving people before your family when appropriate (communicating with your wife on this one is always a wise move, she will tell you if things are out of balance.)
Being a present employee is good, being a present father and husband is better. Don’t put everything into your career and pleasing your boss at the expense of your family, and the importance of quality time with them.
Don't be afraid to speak out about what is right, but don't go looking for an argument either. Be sure that what you have to say will be edifying, otherwise you're probably wasting your time.
Do not quarrel with fools who only care about their own opinions. It's exhausting and draining on your time and emotions.
Stay on top of oil changes. You'll lock up the engine on both of your cars if you don't. Trust me...
Get familiar with basic tools for small home repairs, if I have not already taught you so.
Learn the following, if I have not already taught you so: To change a spare tire, to swap out a car battery, to change out fuses in your car, to change the breaks on your car, to change light bulbs, how to use a mower and weed-eater, and the basics of the breaker box in your home.
Owning a box trailer, and knowing how to move furniture is a lifelong value (sometimes a curse too).
Knowing how to load furniture like a Tetris master is also an impressive and helpful skill.
Knowing how to drive a trailer correctly is more important and rare than you'd think. (Fun Fact: your mom possesses this rare gift)
Always mow your grass in straight lines. Don't just push or drive around aimlessly, regardless of how big or small the yard is. Your wife will appreciate it.
ALWAYS weed eat. Your wife will appreciate it.
Always blow off or sweep off the driveway and sidewalks after mowing.
Don't blow grass into landscaping. You'll regret it.
Don't try to be a tough guy when it comes to guns or knives. Be intelligent and learn what you're doing first. Don't be an idiot!
Don't underestimate what a simple game of Guess Who can do for your relationship with your kids.
Learn how to camp, if I haven't already taught you.
Learn how to fish, if I haven't already taught you.
Never be that guy who can't be outdoors. Man up!
Never be too good for any kind of work. Jesus washed feet and died on a cross for you.
Never try to solve a fight or an argument on social media. It NEVER solves anything. Do this in person if possible, or at least on the phone, or in a manner that allows emotions to be heard and felt.
Do not quarrel over politics unless you have legitimate and reliable proof to back up your theory. And even then.....pick your battles. It is better to be keep your mouth shut and be considered wise, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt.
Do not quarrel with a fool. A fool is not interested in humility, in learning, or being teachable. He is only concerned about complaining or convincing someone of his own ideas and preferences. A fool does not understand the concept of a two way discussion, and a mutual give and take of opinion.