[Originally penned 3 years ago, when my oldest was graduating from high school. My sense is the wisdom still applies…]<\/p>\n
For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven\u2026<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to kill and a time to heal. A time to tear down and a time to build up.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to cry and a time to laugh. A time to grieve and a time to dance.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones. A time to embrace and a time to turn away.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to search and a time to quit searching. A time to keep and a time to throw away.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to tear and a time to mend. A time to be quiet and a time to speak.<\/i><\/p>\n
A time to love and a time to hate. A time for war and a time for peace.<\/i><\/p>\n
As we pen a final post to those now formally entering adulthood, allow us to address a few more brief truths as you take these next few, albeit humongous steps\u2026<\/p>\n
First, there is a time for everything \u2014 every activity under heaven, every season under the sun. Hear me now: you will not<\/i> enjoy nor desire each of these times. Every activity will not<\/i> be wonderful nor every season incredibly joyous and fun. Don\u2019t let me discourage you; that\u2019s not my intent. My intent is to wrestle with reality.<\/p>\n
Remember that enjoying and embracing are not the same thing. As you face life\u2019s next chapters, the truth is that there will be seasons and chapters that stretch you beyond your wildest imagination \u2014 beyond where you ever thought you\u2019d go or perhaps ever wanted. You have a choice in how to respond.<\/i> When the time comes to tear down or turn away, embrace the time; when the time comes to speak, speak \u2014 or be quiet, be quiet. Enjoying the season is less important than learning from the experience. The wise man learns and grows from the seasons that are hard.<\/p>\n
Second \u2014 and don\u2019t let me shock you \u2014 but contrary to perhaps your long-held belief (or any fictional, parenting mantra)<\/i> \u2014 you cannot be whatever you want to be. I\u2019m sorry; remember\u2026 we are wrestling with reality. Similar to the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, and that jolly old St. Nick, there are a few things we\u2019ve told you that aren\u2019t actually true.<\/p>\n
It is true that you cannot be whatever or whoever you want to be (\u2026 just ask all those who\u2019ve thought they should be President).<\/i> You can, however, be all that God created you to be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Embrace your gifts. Utilize the unique wiring within you \u2014 the wiring that makes you distinctly and beautifully, uniquely you!<\/i> Don\u2019t compare yourself to another, falling prey to society\u2019s hollow teaching that another person\u2019s wiring or set up is somehow better or worse than yours. Simply embrace your own strengths and grow from your own weaknesses. Seek God first; seek his intention for your life. Then be who he created you to be, and do what he created you to do. Don\u2019t compare your calling to any other.<\/p>\n And third (because this proud, reflective parent always has seemingly much to say),<\/i> let me offer a brief rapid fire of final encouragement\u2026<\/p>\n Love deeply. Offer grace generously. Never view grace and truth as opposites, as each can be applied in full measure. Wash your sheets. Don\u2019t be selfish. Resist being quick to anger. Be fast to forgive. Be humble. Forgive again. And again. Pursue wisdom. Consider coffee. Don\u2019t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Separate the reds from the whites. Be charitable. Save some; spend some; and give some away. Don\u2019t be afraid of sorrow. Turn off the XBOX. Chew with your mouth closed. Don\u2019t think of equality with God as something to be grasped. Listen to the elderly; invest in the young. Bow and curtsy when appropriate. Show respect \u2014 in what you say and how you think. Remember that respect does not mean accepting as equally good and true. Remember that all things are not equally good and true. Know when to say that; know when to not. Open doors for other people. Look another in the eye. Use your napkin. Be discerning. Be aware that just because something feels good, it might not be wise. Be prayerful. Figure the faith thing out. And embrace each and every season shared above\u2026 embracing the time to laugh\u2026 the time to cry\u2026 the time to grieve\u2026 and yes, the time to dance.<\/p>\n There is a time for everything. God has made everything beautiful for its own time. Graduates, without a doubt, now is your time to dance. Enjoy\u2026 how beautiful\u2026<\/p>\n With a special salute to this year\u2019s grads\u2026<\/p>\n AR<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" [Originally penned 3 years ago, when my oldest was graduating from high school. My sense is the wisdom still applies…] For everything there is a season, a time for every activity under heaven\u2026 A time to be born and a time to die. A time to plant and a time to harvest. A time to … <\/p>\n