Anna Graduates High School

Rita and I are a little numb these days as our baby Anna Grace graduates from High School in less than a month. One tradition we have done with her three older sisters is write them a letter of congratulations, encouragement and challenge. I recently finished Anna’s graduation letter and thought you would enjoy…

April 20, 2008

Dear Anna,

Mom and I are so very, very proud of you. We are impressed with your love for Jesus and your desire to obey Him regardless of the cost. You take very seriously His words, “If you love me, you will obey what I command” (John 14:15). Obedience to the Lord is the wisest route you can take in life, because He will only lead you into His very best. Indeed, we are thankful to the Lord for giving us the gift of you on May 3, 1990. As your loving parents we remind you as you transition from high school graduation: remember who’s you are, be who you are and love who you are…

Remember Who’s You Are
Simply put you are God’s. When you placed your faith in Christ you surrendered all control of your life to your Lord Jesus, “…your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3b). Your security is in your Savior, so you can rest assured that He is with you always and will never leave you (Hebrews 13:5 KJV). Be confident of this that even on your bad days you are still much better off than a good day of someone without God in their life. Moreover, you can be bold and adventurous knowing God’s will is not always predictable and safe, so do dare to take advantage of your position of heaven’s royalty by placing faith in your heavenly Father. We pray often for God to “…give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better” (Ephesians 1:17b). So, be humbled and extremely grateful Anna that you are a child of God and that He loves you unconditionally now and forevermore. You are a cherished child.

Be Who You Are
You already excel well at being your unique self, keep this up and do not allow anyone or anything to stifle your creativity and/or your refreshing humor. Laugh a lot with others and laugh out loud at yourself, because this is how God made you. You are a young lady that knows how to enjoy life. Furthermore, sports will probably be a significant part of your life, because you have always enjoyed staying active and competitive. Use your high energy to serve and encourage others. Your health is a gift from the Lord, so continue to take care of your body as the residence of God’s worship (1 Corinthians 6:19). Lastly you are a giver, because God as given you much, you have the opportunity to invest much in others. Always look for ways to out serve you parents, sisters and friends. Greatness comes in giving to and serving others, Jesus said “…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…” (Mark 10:43b). You are a lovely servant.

Love Who You Are
Jesus said the greatest command is to love God and to love others like the love you have for yourself (Matthew 22:37-39). It is imperative that you love yourself well, so you can love others well. Because God accepts you, you can totally accept yourself. You are a gorgeous young lady with as beautiful heart as you have hair. Your smile is infectious and communicates love and compassion. Your personality is fun loving and frank, so use your gift of wisdom and discernment to help others keep from making dumb mistakes. Be courageous and bold to speak the truth in love at the right time and in the right tone for “faithful are the wounds of a friend”. Be yourself and you will continue to attract quality friends who love you for who you are: joyful, wise and disciplined. Anna, above all keep your eyes on Jesus for He will never let you down!

Love Always,

Dad and Mom