A Letter to Our Graduating Seniors

Ok, all I know to do is to sum up everything we’ve tried to teach you throughout your entire life in this one letter.  Pay attention, because we are running out of time to share all of this wisdom with you. 

 

·         Life is full of choices that either bring you closer to God or away from Him.  Choose those that bring your closer, and success will follow.  

·         The same is true for friends – choose those who bring you closer.

·         Family is forever, no matter what.  Treasure them.  They are the only thing you can take to Heaven with you.

·         Tomorrow is never a guarantee, so live each day without regrets.

·         Never be satisfied with your current level of knowledge.

·         Be ready when opportunity knocks.

·         God has a will for your life.  Follow it, because nothing else works.

·         Satan also has a plan for your life.  Enough said.

·         You are here for a reason.  Don’t make people wonder what that is.

·         Figure out who you are and be that person, no matter who you are with. 

·         Never go through life without a church family. 

·         Show others respect and they will do the same for you.

·         Someone is always looking up to you.  Try not to let them down.

·         Be a missionary wherever you are. 

·         People will notice your actions long before they hear your words. 

·         The most miserable people in the world are those who are only focused on themselves.

·         It is impossible to worry and worship at the same time.  So worship.

·         If you burn all of your bridges, you will end up as an island.

·         A man is only as good as his word, so do what you say you will do.

·         Never be afraid to say “I’m sorry.”

·         When choosing your paths in life, remember that the most difficult one is usually the most rewarding.

·         You don’t drown by falling in the water.  You drown by staying there.

·         Be aware of your comfort zone, and know that it can either protect you or hold you back.  Find that balance and stretch it when you need to.

·         Always make time for people.  God sends them your way for a reason.

·         When all is said and done, the only thing that matters is what happened between you and God.  Focus on that relationship, and the rest will take care of itself.

·         Dream big and dream often.  Anything else is simply existing. 

 

Ok, so in reality, graduating from high school is great, but this is only the beginning.  You will learn more in the next 4-5 years than you have in your previous 18 years combined.  It will kind of be like learning to walk all over again, only we can no longer be there to protect you.  You might bump into a few things, and you will probably stumble along the way, but you will figure out what works and will stick with it and find the road that is right for you.       

We believe in you and your talents.  We are proud of who you are and what you can be.  We don’t know where your journeys will lead you, but sometimes the key is to just go as far as you can see.  That is the only way for God to show you what steps to take next.  But you have to have enough faith to go . ..

The same goes for us.  We are kind of at that same crossroad.  We are excited for you, but will miss you being a part of our everyday lives.  Still, you will always be a part of everything we do.  There are a million different ways this can turn out, and the unknowns can be a little scary.  But I  guess the key is to just go as far as we can see, and to have enough faith to let you go. . . 

We love you all the way up to heaven.   Nothing will ever change that. 

Mom & Dad

Janet is a wife, mother, and writer, currently writing for five online publications covering topics such as faith, family and the art of writing. She is authoring her first book for Atlantic Publishing, entitled The Parent's Guide to Uncluttering the Home, scheduled to be published early in 2011. For additional information, check out her Writing for the Pursuit of Sappiness Blog at www.janetmorrisgrimes.com.

 

Comments

[Tyrone Swopes]

It must be hard to realize that your kids are growing up. But accepting that and letting go is part of being a parent - you must have the faith that what you've given is enough to equip them for the new phase of their lives. Congrats!