The MLP–Lessons Learned

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT THE GENESIS OF THE MOTHER LETTER PROJECT. By now you know the story. Instead of purchasing Christmas this year, our family created it and donated the “difference” to a small African village. To that end, I collected a series of open letters-the Mother Letters-for my wife’s Christmas present. You may still submit a letter via email HERE, or COMMENT HERE. Please refer to the FAQs in the side bar for answers to more of your questions. They explain the project in greater detail.

UPDATE–LESSONS LEARNED

This week has been eventful. After the Big Reveal, life intervened. On December 26th, I received a somber telephone call. My dear uncle passed to the next life. He was 57.

I have listened to stories of his life-those discrete personal moments, shared by family over tears and pecan pie. Some shared stories to lighten the burden. Some shared stories of sorrow. The common thread, however, was time. Time is the essence of our lives.

We have been given but one span of time, marked with an unknown date of expiration. We move toward the spent column faster than we know. We move forward because of the requirement of accountability.

“Why such a somber post on the MLP,” you ask? I have realized in reading your letters, in sharing your stories, and in talking to Amber, that each opportunity is most important. There is only one chance to love hard-your wife, you husband, and children. There is but one chance to reconcile-with your past, your family, and your friends. When viewed in the scope of eternity, that one brief moment is called “today.” It is our life.

To those of you who have spouses-intention to love them well in 2009. For all with children and grandchildren-let your love be passed to them with creativity and gusto. To those with difficult pasts, the kinds that so easily entangle-cast them aside and press on reconciliation.

2009 is the year. It will only be lived once.

Here is to 2009!