A letter to my two graduates…
Joseph and Presley,
You will get a lot of advice as you graduate. Some things you will hold onto, some you will forget.
As you end one chapter and begin another, I have some things for you to think on, ponder, and decide if you want to implement them.
Many of these things, I did not figure out until much later in life. If you can figure some of these out now, you will be much wiser for it!
-Make up your bed each day. It sets the tone for your day, and it just feels good to come home to a made up bed. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” Colossians 3:23
-Read a Proverb and a Psalm every day. You will be filling yourself with wisdom and praise before your day begins. A powerful punch. “The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.” Proverbs 19:8
-Go last instead of first. If you can master this, you are setting yourself up for great success. “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.” Matthew 20:16
-Do not burn bridges with people. You never know when and if your lives will cross again. Trust me on this one. Speak kindly and highly of others always. No exceptions. But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. Luke 6:27-28
-Be faithful in the smallest of things. This builds character. God will bring you bigger things to be faithful over if you are faithful in the tiniest of areas. “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.” Luke 16:10
-Practice humility. I say “practice” because it will not come naturally. Our flesh is prideful to the core. Always wanting to be first and be recognized and honored. Humility will open doors, it will set you apart, and it will win you many friends along the way. Humility is lost in our society. Let’s bring it back through your generation. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.: James 4:10
-Be willing to do the dirty jobs. The ones that nobody wants to do. Serve in the areas that are the least likely to get you an applause. Go low and see how God will lift you high. “For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11
-Do not fall into the trap of gossip. Speak of others only what you would say to their face. You will set yourself apart by doing this one thing, and people will know that you are loyal and trustworthy. Gossip destroys. Be bold enough to turn the conversation. “A perverse man stirs up dissension, and a gossip separates close friends.” Proverbs 16:28
-Seek advice from older and wiser people. Wisdom comes with age. Seek those older than you when needing direction and guidance. Make sure the advice aligns with God’s Word. “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.” Proverbs 19:20
-Become a good listener. Too much talking leads to sin, and others will not want to be around you if you talk incessantly. Learn to listen. You will be so much wiser for it. '“Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” Proverbs 10:19
-Many people will tell you to “follow your heart”….Don’t. Your heart will lead you astray. Your “feelings” will lie. Follow Jesus, Follow God’s Word. “The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked.” Jeremiah 17:9
-Surround yourself with people who encourage you and lift you up. Bad friendships can ruin your life and your reputation. Period. “Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20
-Listen to and obey authority, always. No matter how old you are, this one stands. Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Romans 13:1
-Honor your parents. Period. NO exceptions here. You may think they are dumb and clueless, but honor them anyway. This is the only commandment that God gives with a promise attached to it…“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you” Exodus 20:12
-Guard what you listen to. Bad lyrics, bad shows, bad videos…they corrupt our thinking. Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Proverbs 4:23
-Be careful who you follow. Social media gives us access to follow anyone and anybody. They can impact and influence in ways that are not good. Follow Jesus closer than you follow people. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
-Put your phone down for a while each day. Take a rest and see what you notice when you aren’t distracted by your phone. It will change your life. “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10
-Smile! It really does make you more attractive and puts people at ease. It’s also GOOD FOR YOU! “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart; good news makes for good health.” Proverbs 15:30
These are just a few little nuggets that I would like to impart to you.
My prayer is that you will follow Jesus all the days of your life.
There will be good and fruitful seasons, and there will be hard seasons.
Draw close to Jesus in all of your days.
He will never leave you or forsake you.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6
love always,
mom
