My friend Aimee, who is going to serve in South Asia this summer.


I am leaving today for Jonesboro, Arkansas. I will be speaking at Ridgefield Christian Schools' Graduation tomorrow morning, and then at Central Baptist Church on Sunday.

I confess it is hard this time of year to be watching so many bright young men and women who will walk across the stage to receive what they have worked hard for the last many years. We are proud of them, and are excited for their futures.

We have a table at home with many announcements and senior pictures displayed. They have come from students across several parts of the USA.

Deanna was commenting this morning about how quiet our home is. We both like quiet. We both enjoy quiet. Somehow, quiet right now seems like something we should not be experiencing.

It is good to come home to quiet after a day at work. It is a refuge and a positive thing. Jesus often got away to quiet places, so He could be unified with the Father through prayer. We like to do that too, and need to do more...at least I know I do.

I find myself wondering what all of these graduates have ahead of them. I wonder how they will deal with lifes circumstances and curve balls. I wonder if they will stay focused on Christ, or like so many who have preceded them, let go of their desire for Him to pursue the world.

The world offers much. Power, fame, wealth, security, fashion and many other things seem to be on it's 'most enticing' list. Will they get caught up in this like so many?

What will it take for them to remain focused? How many will trade all they have stood for, for brief moments of expected euphoria? How many will suffer for these decisions?

Each student has a limited amount of time to make something of themself. Will they choose to follow hard after Christ? Will they choose to reflect His glory to others?

"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6

This a promise we must believe. It is a truth from Scripture that many parents cling to. Some wait for what seems like an eternity for their child to return. Some blame themselves for shortcomings. Some endure the quiet, hoping for better days or reflecting back on them.

There are many students out there ready to embrace life. Life is in Christ, or it is not life at all.

Embrace them whether they belong to you or not. They are shining examples from our Creator. Encourage them in their walk, whether they walk or not. They do not forget where they come from. Even amid the grip of world at it's brightest moment, there is a longing for what is pure, what is right, what is true.

If you are in love with Jesus, love these. Show them how much He is worth it by how you choose to live.

dad