TIS THE SEASON….
No, not Christmas.
GRADUATION season.
Although it has been a long time since I walked across a stage, accepted a diploma and moved a tassel, I have not forgotten the excitement that accompanies the day. My first trip across the stage to accept a diploma was in 1982 when I graduated from Union County High School. One hundred fifteen kids who thought they were all grown up and ready to tackle whatever the world tossed them. Silly us!
Union County High School Graduate – 1982
My next, and last, walk to accept a diploma was in 1987 when I graduated from, what was then known as, Mercer University School of Pharmacy with my Pharm. D. degree, which stands for Pharmacy Doctorate. Certainly at that time, I felt more than prepared to take on the world. I mean really, a doctorate. Dr. Leah Adams. It sounds quite divine and for many years I used it in my professional life. Now, I rarely think about having it, except when Mercer calls wanting me to make a donation to the capital fund.
Mercer University Southern School of Pharmacy Graduate – 1987
As I think about graduations and the students who are making that transition from high school to college or college to working folks, I think about all the things I wish I had known or remembered. Things that would have helped me make better life decisions. Oh, not all of my decisions were poor. There were some good ones, but if I could go back and know what I know now, I think I would walk out my 20s, 30s and even my early 40s in a much different fashion.
So, to those who have or will accept a diploma this month, I offer a few ponderings that I hope will light your path as you move forward. Some of these I did NOT learn from experience, but rather made good decisions from the get-go.
- A lot of what you were taught you in school you will never use again.
- Prepare yourself for your first paycheck. There will not be nearly as much in it as you anticipated, compliments of Uncle Sam.
- Center your life around Jesus.
- Don’t put the responsibility for your happiness on another person. It is too big a job and they will disappoint you.
- Join a small group Bible study
- Figure out what lights your fire, flips your switch. Life is too short to work for 30 or 40 years in a field you hate.
- Get a college education.
- Invest in a basic black or navy suit. You will need it for interviews if you really want to make a good impression.
- Don’t sell out your integrity.
- If your gut tells you NO, go with your gut.
- Always tell the truth….do it in love, but tell the truth.
- Don’t smoke cigarettes. It is a nasty, expensive habit with NO redeeming qualities. It will kill you.
- Be faithful…to the Lord, to your spouse, to your employer, to your family.
- Try new food. You don’t have to eat it a second time, but at least try it.
- Ask God where He wants you and what He wants you to do. He knows and wants you to know.
- Don’t judge others until you have walked in their shoes.
- Be kind to others…..you probably have not walked in their shoes.
- Cover up….boobs, bellies, and butts….keep ‘em covered. This applies to guys, too.
- There is truth in the song we sang as kids….’Be careful little eyes what you see….Be careful little ears what you hear….Be careful little mouth what you say.’
- There is a much more going on than what you can see. Trust God with what you can’t see.
- Never stop learning.
- Be present in the moment.
- The grass is not always greener on the other side and it always needs mowed.
- If you have a big decision to make, do not let anyone force you into making it. If forced or pressed, you will probably make the wrong decision.
- Exercise, eat right, laugh often.
- You can never underestimate the future significance of present faithfulness to the Lord.
A few additions from my husband:
- This is one he got from me: decide what hills you are willing to die on?
- Standing firm in what the Bible teaches may seem extremely costly at times, but will be rewarded later.
- When you can’t trace God’s hand you can always trust his heart.
- Try to understand what seems so important today, may not be important at all as you age a little.
- Remember when you are dating, you are seeing your future partner at their very best. It probably will not get better after you are married.
- If you never make mistakes, you’re not doing anything.
- Don’t be afraid or too stubborn to say “I’m sorry” or “I was wrong”
- You may never see them to maturity, but plant some shade trees for others.
What else can you add to my list for graduates?
