I’VE dabbled with writing my autobiography, for no other reason than leaving a statement of possible historic interest for my children (three sons) and grandchildren (seven) I have no expectations of book sales let me assure you!

One of my sons helped by giving me an unusual present earlier this year, a membership of an organisation called ‘Storyworth’ which sends me a weekly question to answer about my life; opinions; hopes, pluses and minuses.

It has been truly fascinating to undertake this weekly task, and I recommend it to anyone at all interested in recording for posterity their life history. ‘Storyworth’ collate my responses and forward to whoever is nominated to receive (currently family members).

This week’s question is rather different. ‘What advice would you give to your great grandchildren?’ It’s an interesting concept, particularly as I am unlikely to ever know my great grandchildren, and I will be nothing more than a vague old long-gone great grandfather. What would you write? I challenge you to think about the question, and even put pen to paper, as I share with you what I wrote.

Dear Great Grandchild. ‘It is said that there are probably in excess of 50 million laws in the world (I don’t know how accurate that might be, I haven’t counted them) but it is also said that while there may be 50 million laws, there is no improvement on the Ten Commandments as a guide to how life should ideally be lived.

‘That is not easy to do of course, and it could be argued that a series of negatives is not perhaps as positive a lifestyle as it might / could or should be.

‘You could argue that many other negatives could be added….don’t pick your nose or pass wind in public, for instance! ‘I would suggest that if the Beatidudes and teachings of the Sermon on the Mount are added to the “10” then a more dynamic life can be experienced.

‘I like the prayer of John Wesley, which I carry in my wallet, and goes something like this, “Do good whenever you can, to whoever you can, wherever you can, as often as you can…..” and I believe a happy, worthwhile life will result.

Most of this suggests an adherence to the Christian faith, and that is so difficult, I acknowledge, and we all fall short in one or more ways, hence the teaching of forgiveness is so very important. It isn’t easy to live the Christian life and it isn’t easy to forgive. In some circumstances forgiving yourself, or living without guilt, is the most difficult of all, but you must try. Help is available.

Moving on to a few other suggestions, strive to obtain a healthy cardio-vascular system. A positive, caring mind in a fit body is certainly a positive worth achieving, as is the knowledge of and difference between right and wrong, good and bad. Listen to your conscience; make friends and treasure them Avoid the loud, uncouth and arrogant.

Smile often, and cry unashamedly when you have to, it helps in times of sadness to just “let it go.”

‘Revel in the sheer wonder of the planet you inhabit and do all you can to protect and improve it. Treat all mankind as equal and worthy of respect; just about everything mankind has achieved has originally been the work of minorities, so give due respect to minorities and examine what they are saying.

It may of course be nonsense, but it may not….do not rush to judgement. ‘So, love life. Remember always that you are loved by family, friends and Almighty God, respect all forms of life, give more than you receive and show gratitude for all and everything you have, it will be more than many.

‘We may never have met, but I sincerely hope we would have got on, and I know I would have loved you so very much.’