What does it mean to be a man my son…
It means to know God and to be known by God;
to speak with dignity and respect,
to be strong and proud, but not to gloat or lord over other people.
It means being honourable in all your dealings, especially when it’s hard,
to be true and trustworthy with all you meet,
to always keep your word.
It means being honest, first and foremost with yourself and out of that to others,
being a man of integrity, being faithful to those God has given you;
treating them with love in a way that reflects love for them; which means sometimes you speak, sometimes you give, sometimes you listen, sometimes you feel, and yes, sometimes you do.
It means being respectful to those in authority over you,
staying committed to the causes that choose you, and those that you choose,
being passionate but selfless, and always carrying yourself with dignity and in the quiet confidence of who you are.
And that means you have to dig to find out who you really are and to not avoid the tough bits or even your weaknesses, being open to other’s thoughts on this matter…
It’s a hard road my son, but there is great strength and hope in doing and being like this.
It means seeking knowledge in all things; in God, in yourself, in others, and of the world,
being aware of what is happening around you, inside you, and with you,
seeking understanding and compassion; and I know - for a man sometimes that is hard.
It means being driven by aspirations – but not driving over others;
anything gained that way is short lived, and soon enough you too will be driven over,
then again sometimes bad things just happen to test your true character, but you must remain true to our hope, and not give in to despair.
My son you are called to be a guardian, a protector,
a faithful custodian of all that God has given you in your life.
To be a man my son you must stay true to your calling.
To be a man my son, get to know God and be known by God;
be responsible, be strong, be humble, be sure of your hope,
be willing to stand alone, or in a group, but in all this, be yourself.
2009 © Charles L. Szente

Many people will walk in and out of your life.
But only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
To handle yourself, use your head;
To handle others, use your heart.

Friends

Anger is only one letter short of danger
If someone betrays you once, it is his fault;
If he betrays you twice, it is your fault.

Great minds discuss ideas;
Average minds discuss events;
Small minds discuss people.

He, who loses money, loses much;
He, who loses a friend, loses much more;
He, who loses faith, loses all.

Beautiful young people are accidents of nature,
But beautiful old people are works of art.

Learn from the mistakes of others
You can't live long enough to make them all
yourself.

Friends, you and me...
You brought another friend...
And then there were 3...
We started our group...
Our circle of friends...
And like that circle...
There is no beginning or end...

Yesterday is history.
Tomorrow is mystery.
Today is a gift.
That is why it is called the present.

Show your friends how much you care...
Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND.
If it comes back to you, then you'll know you
have a circle of friends