I boarded the plane, traveling to attend my great-niece’s high school graduation. When I settled in my seat, I began reminiscing. It was 34 years ago when I graduated. I remember how the unknown lay ahead as I stepped across the stage. I had plans but wasn’t confident in the path I would walk to fulfill my goals. The fear of failing crept up on me like a lion stalking its prey. What would happen if I didn’t like my roommate? What would happen if I didn’t make any friends? What if I failed my classes?
My head fell back on my seat, my eyes closed, the jet engine roared as the scenes of my college years replayed in my mind. I revisited those feeling all too easily. I was ill-prepared when I walked on a college campus for the many choices I encountered. I selected a few that should have been avoided and a few that changed my trajectory of life for the better.
How could I talk with my great-niece about what lay ahead for her?
“Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you,” Philippians 4:9.
Here’s my advice.
- First, remember to love. Love God first and foremost. Love yourself for the woman He has created you to be. Love others with a Christ-like heart.
- Then live. Live life to the fullest! God has called us to glorify Him in all that we do with joy and excitement. Live it up. Your life is your message. A message to the world that God lives inside you and you live in response to His love and sacrifice. Show others what you value. Show them Jesus.
- Never stop learning. Begin with reading your Bible. Learn more about Jesus. One of the most exciting things in life is to learn. We should never feel we are too young to increase our knowledge or grow too old or too tired to learn something new. Above my desk, I have a quote, “Do something every day that scares you.” A reminder to step out of my comfort zone and learn something new. Learn something new about another person, a new task, or a new snippet of knowledge. Keep learning.
Love, Live, Learn. Life lessons for us all, young and old.
When I board my plane home, I will rejoice in the joy of celebration, a celebration of graduates near and far as we commit to love, live and learn in our lives. I will continue to encourage my sweet great-niece, and all of you, to do the same.
God is with you.
God loves you.
God pours into your life every day.
Now go and enjoy!
“And the God of peace will be with you.”
How do you love, live and learn each day? What obstacles stand in front of you? Are you ready to step into the next phase of your life? Do you feel you are too young or too old to continue to learn something new? Share with me your thoughts. I love hearing from you.
