To Daniel — 2026

To my beloved son, Daniel,

Don't begrudge yourself rest in a season of running.

If you learn how not to be swept away in hard times, you'll be fine… People ask how I stay standing. My answer: this is what He does in a weak man.

Don't regret hard, fateful decisions made after prayer and long thought. And don't compare — the principles are not the same.

Thank you for teaching me that “there's no problem” is a real answer — but don't make it your only answer, please.

Forgive me for being hard on you, but you will see for yourself what this kind of upbringing produces.

Never negotiate on anything that is God's due. Ever.

I'll admit it: I don't know how to teach you. Especially when most education systems are built to produce a creature fit for the labour market — and they fail at that too.

Watch out for screens. A person is meant to live with God and with people. Sitting frozen in front of a screen will kill you.

Deal with your problems one by one. Don't let them sit and grow.

“Living in a world of dreams will make you prey to realists; so judge things and people by their true nature, not by your own.” — Machiavelli

Life is a liar, and it shows — even after years. Manhood requires honesty and full responsibility. Hold a clear position; beware cowardly neutrality in conflicts and decisive moments. A person earns respect when he is firm: either a true friend or an open opponent.

As for our favourite yearly conversation about mental toughness, here are a few headings for this year:

Cognitive reframing

Self-compassion

Get rid of loneliness

Mindfulness

Neuroplasticity

Doors are a great mystery, and the One holding the keys is God. Your part is to knock.

And when someone tries to help you open a door, pray well — that is the most dangerous door that could open for you.

Because it may not be yours. What is yours will open while you are walking towards it — not by force.

And if it sets your mind at ease, don't pick at it. Strive and do what is yours to do.

Peace, peace, peace. I have peace in Christ — in my heart, in my mind. The peace is from Him.

God has the right to change your plans. Leave yourself to Him.

Use your memory and your sharpness for His glory.

Passive learning is useful when you are awake to it, and destructive when you are drifting.

Church is attended, not streamed on a screen. The Church is not in your house — even if there is a little church in it.

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; blessed are the undefiled who walk in Your way.

Establish me in the way of Your light until the end of time. Amen.

Do His decrees satisfy you? Then your life is good and well. Contentment.

Egypt, with all its detail and its rich spiritual heritage in every shade — you will not find it anywhere else. Don't wear yourself out looking.

The gift inside you is not a hobby. It is the key to your provision.

A job is temporary; a divine calling is eternal.

God is not against work; He is against slavery to a human system.

An idle hand is unclean.

I'm glad about your first small theology lesson, my boy. — Papa

God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit — the Three are One. I know you cannot see them, but I am certain He will show Himself to you.

The Word, the Word, the Word — every day and at every hour. Obeying it will make you wiser than your generation.

What you say can call trouble down on you.

May you grow every year in wisdom and stature and favour with God and with people. We love you very much.

16 March 2026