Dear Graduate,
Yes, turning the tassel is a milestone. Be proud and walk with humility. How does one do this? Use your gifts and talents for the glory of God, understanding that He is the one who gave them to you. Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.” And James 1:17, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
You likely already made the next steps regarding your future. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Starting now, life will be a compilation of “next steps.” Desiring to be in God’s will is a good and holy desire. However, fretting over what His will is when your next steps are unknown is not good or healthy. Here are seven things I’ve learned since my own graduation that I pray will be an encouragement to you from Auntie.
- If you are a believer in Jesus and live your life in accordance with Him, then you are not at risk of falling out of His will when deciding what college to attend, what major to pursue, what career to have, etc. Romans 12:1-2, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
- There will be lots of times that you will literally not know what to do. Do not fear or be dismayed. Strengthen your prayer life. Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Having goals is a good and right thing, but remember to seek God’s kingdom even more. Matthew 6:3, “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
- Don’t be too busy, or too proud, to notice and move towards the struggling student, the brokenhearted student, the misfit student, the janitor, and the lady who always serves you lunch with a smile. Micah 6:8, “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
- When stress arises, go to Jesus first. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30
- Remember that God loves you with an unconditional love. If you “fail,” Jesus still loves you. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” – Lamentations 3:22-23
- Don’t get so wrapped up in all the impressive things you have and will continue to do that you forget that your identity is first and foremost a child of God. 1 John 3:1, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
Congratulations, Graduates! Keep being faithful, but don’t forget that your identity is a child of God, not all the amazing things you have and will accomplish. Lean into Him this Graduation Day and always.
Love,
Auntie
P.S. Keep reading your Bible. Allow it to truly become a lamp to your feet and a light to your path (Psalm 119:105).
