When my youngest son graduated from grammar school a few years ago, he asked me to say a few words at the ceremony. I hope I inspired him with something I said. I was looking through some things I’ve written over the years and found the notes I used that night. Since I shared a story about my oldest son a few months ago I thought I’d share this about my youngest. Later I’ll share an interesting dream I had about my daughter, years ago that is now coming true. Here are my notes for the graduation speech.
In 1998, God gave us our third child. We named him Matthew. I remember it like it was only, fifteen years ago. LOL. He was a great baby. He was sleeping through the night in no time. He wasn’t much trouble at all. He was a happy baby. He laughed and smiled all the time, except when he was crying. Even when he was sick, we could still make him smile.
He was very affectionate and very loving. We could tell he loved us very much. I remember coming home from work before he could walk, and he would be so excited to see me, he would try so hard to come meet me. I felt so loved. It wasn’t long before he started walking. Then he started running. Then he was everywhere.
Then, he started talking. And that’s all he did. He never stopped talking. He would even talk when he was sleeping. I hope he doesn’t mind me telling this story, but I just can’t resist. You’ll understand when you hear it. He was either five or six years old. He was talking, talking, and talking. Finally, I asked him, “Can you not be quiet for five minutes? You never stop talking.” That hurt his feelings, and he said, “I’m just gonna stop talking. Nobody wants to hear me talk, I’m not talking again as long as I live.” Not even a minute later, just out of the blue, he said, “Is Michael Jackson a woman”? Our family has had a lot of laughs from that one over the years.
I’ve always thought that people who talk a lot, don’t have time to think, but Matthew is certainly a thinker. He’s always had a very active imagination. He has a very creative mind. When he was younger, he created his own Super Hero, and even made an action figure of him. He has written songs, and stories, and is writing a book. He made the music for the slide show we saw earlier. He’s very creative.
I’m proud of you Matthew. I believe in you. You can do anything you set your mind to. In Mark 10:27, Jesus said, “With God, all things are possible.” God created you with so much potential. He believes in you. So, always believe in yourself. What does Philippians 4:13 say? Right. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Always depend on God. He wants you to. You’re not bothering him when you ask for his help. The Bible says he will supply all your needs. And you can believe it. Always remember to thank him for his blessings and answered prayers. Don’t wait until you need him to talk to him. Talk to him constantly. He’s your friend. He cares about what you care about. Remember to listen to him also. He has so much to tell us, we just need to listen.
I remember When I graduated from the eighth grade. I was so excited, but at the same time, it was pretty scary. I didn’t know what was ahead. Going to a new school. Meeting new people. New teachers. It was scary. But things change. It’s part of life.
We have to embrace it and move on. Progress and grow. That’s how we become better, as long as we are trusting Jesus to guide us.
This is not the end, Matthew. It’s the beginning of the next stage of your life. As you continue your education, I want you to remember this. Things won’t always be good, but God is always there for you. For he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
Never let things, or circumstances pull you away from God, nor people for that matter. Don’t let anything discourage you. You’ve made it this far, you can go all the way. Just be sure to take Jesus with you.
Congratulations on this milestone in your education son, and congratulations to all the class of 2014. Never stop learning, and never stop growing in Christ. God bless you all.
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