Dear Graduate

I’ve been thinking about you this time of the year, and remembering how it felt to be just on the edge of adulthood and anticipating a new season of life. (It’s been five years, so I’m entitled to a sentimental sigh or two, right?) The excitement, the uncertainty, the unique mixture of sadness over leaving the past and the thrill of finally being done with school and ready to conquer the world!

I also think about the struggles you’re going to face over the next few years, and I want to try and make the way just a little smoother for you by sharing some things I’ve learned. In fact, I am still learning these things and that’s why this letter is not just for graduates. So, in the tremendous wisdom that comes from having lived nearly 23 years on earth (just kidding, the older I get, the more I realize just how much I don’t know), here goes with a word of advice.

Keep Christ First

I hope you’ve already made the most important decision of all, to trust the Lord Jesus as your personal Savior. I can’t even imagine facing the future without Him. It’s because He lives that I can face tomorrow. He is my source of joy, my hope, my peace, my closest Friend, my Guide, my Shepherd—and He will be all of that to you, too. The most important thing you can possibly do in the coming years is to invest in your relationship with Him.

It will take more intention and effort as life gets busier, but please prioritize your quiet time with Him. Learn to know His voice. Bring Him the things that trouble and perplex you, the decisions you have to make every day. Lay your desires, your longings, and your fears before Him.

And can I just tell you from personal experience—there’s no greater joy than serving Him. It’s not always easy, but never be ashamed to stand up for Jesus. Don’t be embarrassed about being different. There’s no shame in following Christ—in speaking clean, being pure, dressing modestly, going to church. He is more than worth every snide remark, every sideways look, every command to be quiet about your faith in Him. Be bold for the One Who gave everything for you! The longer you wait, the harder it is—so make it obvious to everyone around that you are a Christian.

Don’t Try to Do It On Your Own

You can’t—so don’t even try. Now more than ever, it’s important to lean into your relationship with your parents/godly mentors and to ask and heed their advice. I can’t emphasize enough how much you need to be in church as often as possible—not just warming a pew, but there in spirit as well as body; involved, listening, learning, loving. Find a place to fill in a ministry, and invest in people. The more you are out in the world, the more you will find that you need the counter influence of the truth being preached and taught at church and the clean, godly fellowship.

If Doubts and Questions Come, Run to the Word of God

Your faith will be challenged. Your college professors, your unsaved coworkers, your boss, your childhood friend who has decided to no longer follow Christ…somewhere along the way, you’ll be confronted about what you claim to believe and whether you actually believe it.

Doubt is scary, but God can use it to actually strengthen you faith if you will let Him. But I say this from experience—you have to run TO the word of God, not away from it. Spend more time, not less, examining its truths. I can say with confidence that God’s word is completely trustworthy, and can stand every test you put upon it.

When others question, or when the fiery darts of doubt pierce your mind, hold up the shield of faith. So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:17). Don’t give in. Fight the good fight of faith!

Life Will Disappoint You, but Jesus Never Will

You have dreams, hopes, and plans. You might even have a good idea of how you think your life will go in the next several years. Most likely, though, not everything will turn out the way you imagine. That is hard, but it can also be good. Because God’s plans are far above our greatest imaginations. However, it won’t always seem that way, and that will be where faith comes in. Those will be the times when you must choose to love God for Who He is, not for what He does or gives. Please don’t become bitter and turn away from the Lord. Lean into Him, and trust that His plan and His timing for you is much better than your own. You may not see it now, but His way is truly perfect.

Learn Everything You Can About Everything You Can

Since I graduated, I’ve learned about medical transcription/terminology, blogging, homemaking skills, basic website design, administration and property management, childcare, teaching, and currently I’m learning the ins and outs of working in a small medical office. And of course, Bible school. Some things came naturally to me, and I chose to pursue them (like homemaking skills, childcare, and teaching). Other opportunities fell into my lap. Regardless, I’ve sought by God’s grace to do my best at whatever is before me, and learn all I can from each experience.

Maybe God will bring opportunities to you that don’t seem to match your vision for the future. Maybe you’ll have a chance to learn something that you’re not super interested in. Wherever He has you, and whatever you are given to do, throw yourself into it. Learn everything you possibly can. You never know how God will use it in the future!

Enjoy the Ride

Okay, here’s the fun advice. Just enjoy your life! Don’t fall into the trap (ooh, I’m preaching to myself here!) of thinking that life starts when…fill-in-the-blank. It will be easy, especially if you’re of an intense personality (ahem), to get bogged down in work and school over the next few years. But take time to relax, enjoy your family and friends, and be grateful for the gifts God gives you. Spend time in nature. Get into a hobby or two on the side.

Don’t take yourself too seriously! Life can be hilarious and a good belly-laugh never hurt anyone. Make sure you bring your humor along wherever you go. You’ll need it.

You only get one chance at life, so live it well. Live it with purpose and intention for the One Who gave you breath. And you will be blessed indeed.

Congratulations, and here’s to a wonderful future ahead!

With love,