My first grandson graduated this year. I can’t believe those previous years disappeared into memories. As a grandparent we have an honor to sow into our grandkids lives. We have the ability to purposefully bestow blessings.
Perhaps you are in the same situation and need a jumping off point for your letter to your own child or grandchild.
Dear Austin,
You’ve graduated! Your first real milestone in your life. I bet it feels kinda weird. Exciting, scary, happy and sad all in one.
I wanted to start this letter on the day you were born and add to it. Well, you can see that never happened.
I do remember your first days with us. You were a scrawny, all arms and legs piece of miracle from God. I remember we laid you in the sun – naked to get your bilirubin down to normal.
As a child you were so very strong willed. Just like your dad. And, that is a wonderful thing! Not so much fun when trying to direct you as a child, but now, your strong will can serve you in a powerful way as long as your will is right.
I’ve watched you grow into such a kind, strong, loving, God fearing man. I’m so proud of you.
As you close the door to one stage of life and get ready to experience the next part of your journey I have a few things I wanted to share with you.
1. Keep God first. Seek his face and listen to his voice in your heart. One way I always can tell it’s God’s voice and not satan’s (because satan will try his best to deceive you) Is that God calls me by my name. satan never uses my name – I’m not sure if this is true with everyone or not.
2. There will be crap in your life. There will be times of uncertainty and fear. Always remember you are never alone. God is right there beside you. And, nothing is too big, too hard or a surprise to him.
3. Treat others the way you think would please God and how you want to be treated yourself. One man has no more value than another.
4. Keep watch over your words. Negativity serves no one.
5. As you travel through life and you realize you’ve made a wrong turn, just make adjustments. God can handle it all.
6. Admit it when you are wrong.
7. Ask for forgiveness.
8. Say “I’m sorry”.
9. Be the last to let go when hugging.
10. Be the person everyone hates to see leave the room.
11. Speak life – I honestly can say it makes a huge difference. Find the good. Praise the Lord.
12. Realize you can’t hide from God – which is a huge blessing because you are always protected. You can’t do anything too wrong that God won’t forgive. He knew you well before you made the mistake and loved you anyway.
13. Politeness and kindness count.
14. Remember someone is always watching you – you never know how your actions and words will influence a person.
15. Be quick to forgive and show grace. You don’t have to forget and allow that person back into your life but you must forgive Unforgiveness only hurts the one not forgiving and when you sow grace, you receive grace.
My door and heart are always open to you. You could never do anything that would lessen my love of you.
You have become an amazing young man full of integrity and have great character.
God has a wonderful path set before you.
I am so proud of you and love you more than you will know. Grampa loves you and is very proud too.
Now, go out there and conquer your territory God gives you.
