As you know, this life passes by quickly and we find ourselves at our particular judgement. We never know when God will call us back to Himself to give an account of our lives. So few are saved because of our attachment to the sins that we nourish.
As I sit down to write this, my heart is full. Your mother and I have poured our lives into this family - not for recognition, but because it is our vocation, our joy, and our sacred duty before God. Raising our children has been the greatest blessing and challenge of our lives. We have given all that we are; our time, our energy, our talents, and our material possesions - out of love. And now, as you grow into your own adult lives, I want to speak plainly and lovingly (along with the sentiments of your mother) about what we hope you do with your lives.
First and above all: live for God. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things shall be added unto you" -- Luke 12:31 Place Him at the center of your life. Seek His will before your own. Know that all good things come from Him. Trust Him and Our Lady in your struggles and thank them - gratitude begets blessings. He is your Father, your Provider, your Redeemer and Sanctifier. He is a refuge, a shield, a sanctuary for His children.
And never forget: we belong to Him through Our Lady. As a family, we have consecrated ourselves to Jesus through Mary. This was not just a devotion, but an act of Total Consecration, and act of trust. We have asked Our Blessed Mother to form Christ in us, to guide us, protect us, and bring us safely to her Son. Stay close to her for she is truly your Mother.
We have tried to teach you by example: to love virtue, to live with honor, and to give generously. Above all, we ask you to walk in charity, the kind of love that costs something, the kind of love that builds, heals wounds, and pleases the heart of God. Love does not belittle or divide. When you constantly fight, you are not living in virtue, but pride. "And if any man think himself to be religious, not bridling his tongue, but deceiving his own heart, this man's religion is vain." James 1:28 Live with humility, integrity, self-discipline, and courage. These are lofty ideals and are the armor of a Catholic in a anti-Catholic world.
As adults, we expect you to live responsibly. The Scriptures say, "Six days shalt thou labour, and shalt do all thy works. But on the seventh day is the sabbath of the Lord thy God: thou shalt do no work on it...." -- Exodus 20:9 -10 Work is not a punishment, but a loving call. Work hard. Do your share, and then some by helping others. Provide for those entrusted to you. Whether your labor is humble or exalted in the eyes of the world, offer it to God. And then rest. Keep the Sundays "the Lord's Day" holy. Go to Mass because you love it, not because of duty. If you do not love it, it is because you lack knowledge in the proper perspective. Keep Sunday as a day for prayer, for family, for joy. Let it remind you that you are not just workers, but a child in His family.
Never forget your siblings. Take care of each other. No matter how far apart life takes you, you remain bound in love and duty. Help each other, call each other, encourage one another in living out your faith. If one stumbles, lift him up. If one rejoices, share the joy. Do not let bitterness or distance break the bond that God gave you in family. This is the domestic church, the building block of society, the foundational rock. 'And every one that heareth these my words, and doth them not, shall be like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand." -- Matt 7:26
Love the country God gave you. Do not idolize it, do not mock it, do not neglect it. Serve it, and everyone, with integrity. Be people of virtue, of prayer, and of peace in a world that needs it more than ever.
Certainly your mother and I have not done everything perfectly, but we have tried and have done so with faithfulness. We always pray for you, daily. We have sacrificed gladly. And we have trusted that if we give our best to God and to you, He will multiply the rest.
We will continue to walk with you in prayer and love for as long as God allows. And we entrust you, always, to the care of Jesus and Mary.
With love, and enduring hope,
Dad (and Mom)
"And in doing good, let us not fail. For in due time we shall reap, not failing. Therefore, whilst we have time, let us work good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of the faith." -- Gal 6:9-10