An Open Letter to My Graduate

Dear Son and Graduate,

Where did the time go? We just brought you h

ome to our little rental house to two sisters who couldn’t wait to take care of you! You were just chasing the dog in our backyard and digging in the sand box with him by your side. You were a cowboy turned soccer star to runner to singer to artist. The older parents always advise for us not to blink, but I am afraid we did. Eighteen arrived quickly, and we are beginning the week of your high school graduation. I want to share some things for you to carry with you as you graduate and begin life beyond this home.

First of all, we have always told you to remember Who You are and Whose You Are.

“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.””

‭‭Joshua‬ ‭24:15‬ ‭NIV‬‬

http://bible.com/111/jos.24.15.ni

You know the Truth

of what you have been taught. It is yours to take and follow. You will find like-minded men in the world-look for them and follow God together.

Secondly, this world is big. It may seem overwhelming at times. Keep climbing and dreaming. Do not give up those things that you decide to achieve. You have jumped in and tried many things so far in your life-keep that curiosity to try the new thing!

Thirdly, you are “street smart”. You coined this phrase at our dinner table one night, but it is so true. Let your common sense be something you use. When your gut says something-listen! Check Gods word first  and then listen to your gut.

Fourth, don’t forget to call home. Every time you leave I have said-“let me know you made it”. Don’t forget to check in because I will always want to know you “made it”.

Fifth, you have always been kind. Days have come where you expressed your true feelings about things, but you have always been kind. Treat everyone with that same kindness. The world needs kind people! To be kind you must love. Love all people- all the time. You don’t have to like everyone but love everyone.

Galatians 5:22New International Version (NIV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

After graduation, I will recall all of the information that we forgot to teach you. I still think of things to tell your sisters. These five things will serve you well in this life until I remember those other things to say. Please know that we are so  very proud of the young man you have become. We love you! As we look forward to what the Lord does for you in these next few years, we pray that you continue to follow hard after Him.