Congratulations sweets! You made it! It seems as though it was just yesterday when we took you home from the hospital and here you are graduated from High School and just a few days away from eighteen.
As I think back on the past several years of my life and the lives of others God has put in my path I would just like to encourage you on what lies ahead.
1. Life will always be different now.
The chapter on “school days” is done. Packing your lunch, jumping in the car as mom yells, “Everyone in the car,” and living your life according to the school calendar on the fridge are not your life anymore.
Now you will set your schedule. You will pick your classes. You will work with advisors to find what’s best for you. Drama will only be that which you will create and life will be exciting and new every day. Your friends will always be your friends, but you will find the ones you are continually doing life with will quickly become your lifelong companions.
2. The next steps will be your greatest.
A major or minor will not necessarily depict your life path. God will do that. But the choices you make now will impact the rest of your life. For the next four years, you will study and share specific classes with those who are on the same path as you. I am praying for you and I trust you are praying God makes this calling sure in your life.
Unfortunately, it will not be a problem for boys to find you. You must begin to pray God will help you to find the right boy! Marriage is a few years down the road and you WILL NOT be getting married in the next year! Enjoy making friends and meeting new people God puts in your life. I can’t see you marrying a stranger, so enjoy the relationships you build and God will take care of the rest. Marriage is work, but that is for another blog.
Working is great! Actually, it is a curse but you can make it great! Each person you will work with and associate with has entered your life for a reason. You are no longer surrounded by Christians. You have the opportunity to take your life outside these four walls and truly impact others. Make sure others are grateful they get to work with you every day. Live in a way others wish they were working your shift and are disappointed they are not.
3. Your life purpose and calling now come to light.
Over the next few years, God will be working overtime in your heart and life. He will bend and break you to mold you into the servant he needs you to be. It will be through these dark valleys that God will truly shine through and show you His will and glory. I wouldn’t trade those days for anything, but I also am not in a hurry to go back.
Always take time to acknowledge His presence. Spend time seeking God and reading His Word. Know Him. Love Him. Delight in Him.
4. The past is a guide but your future is alive.
As you know, more than most, none of us are promised tomorrow. Live each day as though it is your last. Always make the most of the present, while always being aware of the future.
I am so excited for you and the path God has laid out for you. Your future is and will be one of blessing and bounty. God has given you so many special gifts and abilities it will be awesome to see how and where he chooses to use you for the expansion of His Kingdom.
5. This is what I’ve raised you for.
I would love to have you stay. I am not excited about seeing you go anywhere. But God didn’t give us you to keep at home. God made me his ambassador over you to do my best representing your Heavenly Father here on earth. My goal was to prepare you for this!
I loved every minute we shared. I loved the runs, walks, and long drives home after volleyball games. As the oldest you never took the lead with your siblings but were always in the middle. You were the core that helped hold them together. It will not be the same without you, and that is a good thing. You made an impact and left an example for them to follow. Now take that same energy and enthusiasm to another group that will greatly benefit from it as we did.
Is it easy, no. Is it necessary, yes. I am so excited for this next chapter and a privileged parent to come alongside you as you continue your journey of life.
High School days are done and never intended to be relived. Take hold of what’s next, embrace it, and allow God to do His thing as you follow His will and leading in your life!
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