While I was away to the National Association of Realtors meetings in San Diego last week, I got an email from my oldest son, who is 9, and in fourth grade.

The email said:

Here is my homework I had to do for the week.  I had to write a paper about if I would like to life my life easy or with challenges.

Mom thought I did a good job.

And this is what he turned in:

I would like to have a life that offers challenges.  First I’d like challenges that offer excitement in my life.  Learning how to NASTAR race (1)  would be exciting and challenging.  Also, I love tennis and if I work hard maybe I could play in the U.S Open.  That would be challenging and exciting too.

In addition, I want challenges so I can be more successful in life.  I would like to be challenged in school so I get better grades.  This would give me the opportunity to receive scholarships to a good college.  This challenge would offer me a chance to get a high-quality job.  I would also like to challenge myself to be stronger so I can play the sports I like with greater ability.

Third and last but not least, I like challenges because they make me feel good.  It makes me feel good to know I finally completed something I worked really hard for.  Also I know I might not complete every challenge in my life but if I try my best I’ll feel good.  I know life’s going to be full of challenges, so why not take them!

(1) (note: he’s talking about ski racing, this is not a typo)

This kid constantly blows my mind.  Little did he know he was writing his first blog post.

I’m truly blessed to have each one of my children, and the privilege of loving and guiding them through their childhood is the single greatest challenge and reward of my life.