A few years ago I had a wonderful friend that was turning 13. His parents asked for words of encouragement from various friends and family members to share.
What I sent Nathaniel is valid for all of us.
Dear Nathaniel,
When I was your age I discovered this poem written by Rudyard Kipling, best known for being one of our relatives -- oh yes, and the author of titles such as The Jungle Book and Kim.
It was during one of those in-between stages -- you know -- to old to hang with the little kids, but not old enough to be considered a teenager, that I read this over & over until I understood each line and it took hold inside of me as character.
Here is Auntie Kim's version with a touch of Jesus included -the words in bold are my addition.
IF by Rudyard Kipling/Kim Kipling Falcon
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, (Peace)
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you
But make allowance for their doubting too,(Confidence)
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,(Patience)
Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,(Honesty)
Or being hated, don't give way to hating,(Love)
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise; (Humility)
If you can dream--and not make dreams your master, (Realist)
If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim; (Wisdom)
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;(Even Tempered)
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,(Calmness)
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools: (Perseverance)
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings (Adventurous)
And never breath a word about your loss;(No Self Pity)
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!" (Determination)
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,(Mind Set on Him/Holiness/In the World, Not Of the World)
Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,(Humbleness)
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you; (Secure)
If all men count with you, but none too much,(Steadfast)
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run, (Effort)
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And--which is more--you'll be a Godly Man, my son!
Nathaniel,
Who you are has already been formed. Who you become is still open to options.
Always apply Galatians 5:21-23 to every situation and circumstance.
The fruit of the Spirit, which His presence within us, is love, joy, peace, an even temper, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.
Jesus said you will know who loves and follows me by the fruit they have in their life.
Always display the fruit!
Character is not only made in a crisis -- but it is exhibited.
Much Love, Prayers and Blessings,
xoxo
Auntie Kim
What if.....
Kim Angela
p.s. For the video lovers this is "IF" recited by this year's Wimbeldon finalists.
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