Thursday, May 15, 2014

a message to my graduates.

This is dedicated to my seniors.  The students who, as little sixth graders, welcomed me into their lives with open arms.  Their crazy antics, their profound radiance, their leadership, and the never-ending list of incredible fun adventures with them are going to be missed as they transition out of "youth group" and into a new season.  I'm not worried for them at all.  I am overwhelmed with deep joy as I look at them, ready to take these next steps.  I cannot wait to see all that GOD has in store for this crew.  It is going to be big.  They are some game-changers.  Wherever they go, they will leave impressions of HIM.  Hey MYM Seniors:  I love you a whole whole lot.

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You don't have it all figured out yet.
And that's okay.

You won't have it all figured out when you graduate college either.
And that's okay.

I'm eleven years removed from the place you stand right now.
This place of waiting.
This place of ending chapters and closing doors.
This place of anticipation.
And anxiety.
And tears.
And of incredible possibility.

I'm eleven years removed, but I still remember.

I remember my growing pile of "dorm stuff."
Nicely organized by the fireplace in the den.
I think I sifted through that pile daily, adding everything I thought I could possibly need with me in college.
A new comforter.
Plastic plates, forks, spoons.
A laundry basket.
New towels.
Matching wash cloths.
A floor mat.
Picture frames.
Every cheesy, inspirational graduation book or memento I'd received.
Even a cute little hot pink shower radio.
(Note: I do NOT recommend the shower radio.  Turns out, roommates won't always appreciate your lively tunes and loud singing as you try to wake up in the morning.  Go figure.  And I'm scarred for life now.)

I remember walking out of my high school that last time.
Saying goodbye to friends I would really miss.
Saying goodbye to classmates I'd never really connected with, realizing the opportunity had now passed me by.

I remember graduation.
Mine was actually ruined by a major thunderstorm, so I remember bitterly enduring a ceremony void of every anticipated tradition I'd observed at CHS year after year.
I remember sobbing in my dad's arms afterwards, feeling like I'd been robbed of something special.
I think more than anything, all the conflicting emotions inside of me finally became too much.
The crying was more of a release of it all than a mourning.

I remember that summer.
Everything felt a little more sacred.
It all had a hint of finality to it.
And it was so much fun.

I remember loading all my stuff in my parents' car.
Packed into the backseat with piles surrounding me.
At one point in the journey, a printer fell on my head.
That hurt.

I remember moving all my stuff into the dorm.
I remember the what I wore to that first dinner where all the Freshman and their families gathered together for an orientation and celebration.
I remember thinking that Montgomery is really humid.

And I remember standing in the parking lot as my parents drove away.
Suddenly feeling very alone.
Excited.
But alone.

I remember slowing walking back into my empty dorm room.
Sitting at my desk.
Staring at the neatly organized books, pictures, and school supplies.
I remember the pause.

The significant pause.

And I remember deciding not to just sit there, but to go meet people.
And I did.
And it was awesome.

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Some of you are fearless as you enter this new season of life.
You aren't worried about a thing, and you can't wait to get out of here!
Good for you!
Seriously.
It's gonna be a lot of fun!
And you shouldn't be worried.

But don't be reckless, okay?
Don't abandon everything you know and value because of the thrill of freedom.
I think you'll regret that.

Look for people who will keep you connected to who you want to be.
Take advantage of people GOD puts in your path to support you and encourage you.
Know that at some point, you will face something difficult, and you'll need that.
Remember that we're here for you too.
Always.

Now go have fun, and when you come back to town, you'd better come tell us all about your crazy adventures!

Some of you are a little nervous.
You are leaving a lot behind-- it's understandable to feel this way!

You are anxious about finding new friends that will love you like your friends here do.
You're anxious about other people's lives moving forward without you in them.
You don't want to miss out.
I get that.

You may be nervous about the school work and the stress.
The sororities and social clubs.
The new team you'll be playing for, or the team you leave behind.

In any transition, something is left behind.

It has to be.

You know why?

Because so much lies ahead.

If you try to carry everything with you from before, you won't have room to pick up all the things that are being positioned ahead of you.

It's okay to set stuff down.
Even friendships.
It may feel like an ending, but it's not.
Friendships can change forms and still retain all of their value.

So remember that.
I know it's hard.
But it's really good.
And I promise you, GOD has a whole lot of amazing things ready for you to encounter, and a whole lot of people for you to embrace, and a whole lot of opportunities ready to shape you.

Dear ones that I love,
If you are scared.
Or sad.
Or unsure.
Remember this:

It is going to be so much more than alright.

May the LORD bless you and protect you.
May the LORD smile upon you
And be gracious to you.
May the LORD show you HIS favor
And give you HIS peace.



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