Life Lesson from My 15-Year-Old Son

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” — Jer 29:11

Two days ago, on his 15th birthday, my son reminded me of an important life lesson. It is another proof that he is a boy beyond his years.

I could have applied this life lesson nine years ago when I was leaving Kabul, Afghanistan, after almost four years of helping one of the leading telecommunication deliver on its promise of giving Afghans the benefit of a modern connected life.

I could barely sleep the night before the day I was due to leave. I had said my emotional goodbyes and reflected on a four year tenure well spent. The next morning, we heard news of one of the very few attacks on the international airport. All flights were cancelled. My relief at leaving turned into anxiety about not knowing what would happen next.

Thankfully, the incident lasted only for a day without much damage, and flights resumed.

As I left Kabul, I told myself that I would never be back there because the chances of me applying for a job there were infinitesimal. Even by that tiny chance a job did come up, I would turn it down.

Four years later, I was called for my first CFO job, and I took it, and I was back in Kabul.

I am reflecting on these events now because of my son’s reaction to one of my friends’ comments on something I posted about him on his 15th birthday.

My son dreams of being a professional football/soccer player one day. He seems to be on the right path, showing signs of focus, dedication, and hard work. He has scored in the last five games for his current club in South Africa, which grabbed the attention of one social media pundit.

I shared the pundit’s Instagram post, which concluded, “He definitely has the potential to be a top striker one day.”

One of my closest friends responded to that post on my WhatsApp status: “Congratulations, young Stober. My wish is that you play for Liverpool one day.”

But David dreams of playing for one of the two teams he supports — Barcelona and Manchester City.

When I shared my friend’s comment, I expected David to say, “No way,” or something similar. Maybe that is because I also wish he would play for Arsenal one day. Stay with me, EPL followers. Do not drift off-topic.

David’s one-line response is a lesson I will borrow. And I believe you should do too.

After I told him who sent the comment, he replied, “Okay.” And then said:

“Anything could happen.”

I should have known that nine years ago when I was leaving Afghanistan.

Anything could happen. Anything is possible. In that sits three habits of winners:

1. Never take things for granted.
2. Always be open to possibilities.
3. Focus on being the best you can be in the present.

As we start a new week, remember that anything could happen. Let’s make this week a week of possibilities.