4 December 2010

Dear Shan,
I am a bit hesitant to display my feelings and thoughts in a format such as this.  However, perhaps there are others that will be able to benefit.
I miss being with you and the children.  It is good though that we have this short time away from eachother now so that we will better know how to prepare for being apart for a longer period of time later on. 
We have talked a great deal about leadership the last few days in some of the classes I am attending.  We had to write up our "leadership" philosophy and turn it in today.  I put a fair amount of thought and prayer into mine.  I'm glad I had this opportunity, because I think the application of the principles that make a good leader will make me a better father as well.
I think good leadership can be boiled down to three principles.  Vision, Selfless Service and Wisdom.  All of these I believe stem from true vision.  When these three qualaties are present, I believe that a multitude of other positive qualities naturally emerge as well such as initiative, persistence, courage, integrity, etc.  Vision is seeing surroundings from the mountain top, seeing the big picture.  As it says in Proverbs, "Where there is no vision, the people perish..."  I think one of the reasons you have so much wisdom in the way you approach life is due to your vision.  You are able to step back and see the whole picture... the long term.  I hope to become more like you in this regard.
I'm sorry to hear the children are acting up more with me gone.  This is going to be hard for them... but I also think it can be an experience that we all grow and become stronger from. 
I love you and admire your outlook on life.  I have been touched as I have read your thoughts and feelings.  You truly have no guile.  I am still only beginning to realize the gem you are.  I hope to never take you or our dear children for granted.   I'm looking forward to seeing you on the 18th!
Love,
J