Graduation

Twelve hours until the big event. 18 will walk across the stage with her high school graduating class and receive the first significant award she will earn in her lifetime. Up to now, in her short existence, this is the most important day she has experienced. There have been times she will remember as more fun, but this day, in truth, ushers in her life as an adult.

Her family(parents, grandparents, and siblings) will expect more from her. She has been allowed the freedom to make some mistakes under the umbrella of protection of her parents. We, in essence, have covered her financially, emotionally, and physically. Now, she will be solely responsible for own decisions and the consequences that will follow, whether positive or negative. Our desire for her is that she will seek wise counsel before making any weighty choices. I believe she will. We are available and always ready (sometimes too ready) to give advice that we consider prudent. Part of our growing up as parents will be to wait to give our opinions until asked.

As I ironed her gown I realized that this day arrives so much sooner than we can anticipate. As parents, husband and I have done all we can to prepare her for her adult life, but there will be some things she must learn and decide on her own. What career will she pursue? What man will she love? Will she serve the LORD God or her own self made god? These things I will offer up in prayer to my Hope in Christ.

Lord, protect 18's heart and mind. Call her to You. Let her be satisfied with nothing less than You.