Dear Son,

When you were younger, you relied upon me for guidance. I prayed every day that God would help me to set good examples for you to follow. Now that you're grown, I see that you have developed into an intelligent and thoughtful individual - well on your way to becoming a great man.

Soon you will face many new and difficult challenges. Others will begin to look to you for leadership. You may be appointed team captain, or asked to supervise at work. Someday your future wife and children will look to you for support. When this happens, Son, it is important to embrace this opportunity of responsibility. Your decision will truly be the measure of your success and God will bless you for it.

But before you can successfully lead, you must learn to serve. Just as a general climbs the ranks before he takes command, you too must be faithful in serving. As you prove that you can be trusted with the smaller things, you will in time be entrusted with the larger things. As you begin to understand how to serve, you will learn how best to lead.

Above all, Son, lead by example - as I have done for you and Christ has done for us. You will never gain the respect and trust of people until they witness that you are a man of integrity. Be a man not only of your word but also your actions. This is the best you can offer to those who follow your lead.

I am proud of you, Son. Pray for wisdom in your decisions and the courage to do what's right. Continue doing your best, and God will take care of the rest.

Your Father

Lord, I pray that you watch over my Son. Guide him to be the man you want him to be, and continue to bless his life. Thank you for allowing me to be his earthly father.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.
-JAMES 3:13 NIV

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.
-HEBREWS 13:7 NIV

It's like this: when I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things.
-1 CORINTHIANS 13: TLB

If there is anything in my thoughts or style to commend, the credit is due to my parents for instilling in me an early love of the Scriptures.
-DANIEL WEBSTER

A leader is a man who can adapt principles to circumstances.
-GENERAL GEORGE S. PATTON