Building People. Spreading Hope.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

My Graduating Daughter

 
It’s hard to believe that you’re graduating from high school today. You’ve reached the pinnacle of success because you can’t go higher than high school, right? ;) Your hard work, dedication, persistence, and commitment have finally paid off. Look back with pride on a job well done. Look forward with excitement to what lies in front but celebrate this moment because it’s yours to enjoy. You have a lot to be proud of and the world is waiting for the experience of you.
 
A wise person once said, “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” You’re about to embark on your life’s journey. There will be many different voices trying to tell you many things. Hear them but most of all follow the still small voice in your heart because that is the Holy Spirit leading and guiding you. You and God will always be in speaking terms. He will speak to you louder about your own life than any other person in the world.
 
Today, I want to share seven secrets with you that will give you a head start in life.
 
Live with your heart. Now that you’re a graduate and you’ll soon go into college. You’ll hear many different opinions. They will try to redefine right and wrong. Many times, your own head will reason with you but always follow your heart. That is where Jesus lives and if you make Him the center of our life, everything else will fall in place. “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it” (Proverbs 4:23 NIV).
 
Be a student of inner beauty. You’re gorgeous! You can be grateful to mom for giving you the good looks. Being a girl, you’ll spend endless hours in your life trying to look beautiful on the outside. That’s good and you must have fun with it. But never let anyone mislead you in what is true beauty. Your weight, height, or color of skin doesn’t define who you are. God does! You’re beautiful because you’re the child of the Most High. He never makes anything second class. Spend at least equal time developing your inner beauty as you improve your outer looks. “Man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD (still) looks on the heart” (I Samuel 16:7 ESV).
 
Work hard. Through hard work, perseverance and a faith in God, you can live your dreams. Your hands can heal or it can tear down. Use your life to build. Don’t wait on anybody for a handout. Do your best and then let God do the rest. Whatever you do, do it with excellence. “The hand of the diligent will rule” (Proverbs 22:14 ESV).
 
Always show mercy. I’ve made so many mistakes that I can’t even count. But one thing I’ve learnt through my failures; God is a God of mercy. He doesn’t give us what we deserve. He always gives us better than we deserve because He is a merciful God. If you want to be like Jesus, quit throwing stones at people and show mercy. Only strong people can forgive. Always take the high road. Store up mercy because one day you’ll need it. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:5 ESV).
 
Have compassion. One of the greatest virtues you can have is to be compassionate towards the poor, needy, and hurting people in the world. When you’re compassionate with others, you’re being a “Jesus” to them. We’re most like God when we show God’s love, forgiveness, and compassion to those who deserves the least. “When he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them” (Matthew 9:36 KJV).
 
Always build new friendships. It’s great to have close friends and you must be loyal to them. However, people are always cycling out of our lives. If you don’t invest in building new relationships, you’ll eventually run out of them. Friends are special but don’t idolize them. At any point of your life, if you have a handful of true friends; you’re rich! “Do not forsake your friend or a friend of your family” (Proverbs 27:10 NIV).
 
Honor God with your life. In every crossroad of your life, ask yourself, “What will honor God in this situation?” The Bible is still the roadmap for life. Put the Word in you when you don’t need it and it will come out of you when you do need it. There will be tough times but remember you’re tougher. The Holy Spirit is your Helper and He is present with you always. Life’s a boomerang. Whatever you send out will come back to you. “'You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind” (Luke 10:27 NLT).
 
Daughter, you’re amazing! Your one-of-a-kind smile, your warmth and thoughtfulness, gifts and talents they’re enough to make anyone proud. But it’s your unique blend of them all that makes you such a special person – someone so easy to love, and so deserving of anything good in life. Congratulations! Happy graduation! Happy future! I love you and always will. ~ Dad
 
“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
 
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