A Letter to My Graduate...

445 days ago by Katia Droira

Just the other day, someone handed me an invitation to yet another graduation celebration. One of the perils of Youth Ministry is that they grow up! And after several years of Surge, they are ready! Or so we pray! Ready to celebrate this milestone of finishing High School, graduating and embracing a future on their own.

Last week Surge had a formal celebration where we shared cake and after referring to Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”, every teen and adult in the room laid hands on our graduates while Pastor Guy, Kevin Remer and Angel Luna prayed over them. I could not bring myself to pray out loud. I have to face it, I am a little emotional; my own son was one of them! Besides, each one of these teens are pretty much like my own.

So, I do want to share here an anonymous letter I found entitled: “A Letter to My Graduate”. It captures what every parent would like to say – especially, if like me, could not bring ourselves to say, nor could we be eloquent enough if I given the opportunity.

Here it goes:

“I cannot buy you a set of morals; I cannot build you a sense of responsibility; I cannot manufacture for you a concern and compassion; I cannot make yours a compelling, faithful loyal spirit; I cannot give you the ability to love.

I have no fortune to will you which will gain you popularity, make you a philanthropist, or help you leave memorials for charity.
I own no secret formula for success nor any new philosphy. I’ve never written a book of wisdom.

I cannot send you away into the world on your own, with only beautiful pictures in your memory, for you have seen me cry tears of despair; you have seen me shake my fist in anger; you have witnessed ugliness in my time of weakness.

But these things I cannot give you are all yours in Christ Jesus. (emphasis mine)

As you accept your diploma, severing your relations with your school, you step into new relationships with parents, friends, and the world. The “apron strings” that have been lengthened as you matured must soon be cut. You have earned more than freedom. You have proved yourself trustworthy, dependable, and mature enough to try your wings, but I will be “on call” throughout my life.

You are fully accountable to God, your Heavenly Father who loves you far more than I, who has riches in store beyond your comprehension, but who expects much, sees and knows -also beyond your comprehension.

I commit you to His care as the fire of the world tests the gold of your character. And I will always be in prayer for you.
Love from Your Parent”

I truly have no words. I may shed some tears but they are tears of joy and pride – the good kind. I am so proud of this new generation who are in love and on fire for God! You do have hope and a future. And we can’t be more excited for you than to see you off to discover what God has in store for you.

Your church family will always be here for you! Congratulations, yet again, Class of ’09!!!