Dear son,
As I anticipate the day upon which you are born, I think about what you will be like. What advice I will give you when you’re older. What hardships you might go through. I realize that since you are my son, you will likely be somewhat like me. If that is indeed the case, then I want to prepare you for the most probable outcome.
Son, you will in all likelihood be a mediocre man, like your father.
Being mediocre, however, is not a death sentence. I used to think it was, but it’s not. Today, I want to tell you how to live, should you discover that, like me, you are mediocre.
If you are not strong, be steady.
If you are not handsome, be attractive in character.
If you are not rich, give yourself to others.
If you are not popular, lift up others.
If you are not a born leader, be a loyal servant of God and mankind.
If you are not intelligent, be thoughtful.
If you are not funny, laugh with others.
If you are not thought well of, be above reproach.
If you cannot speak in public well, pray hard.
Above all son, regardless of how quick others are to love you, praise you, or follow you, love. Love without conditions and without reserve. Pour yourself into others and you will never regret a moment.