Graduation Time

"We did the best that we could do!"  It sure sounds nice and is does salve the soul, but deep down 
I know it's not true.  I wasn't the best father that I could have been.  I wasn't always there to 
provide the needed counsel and the appropriate comfort.  I far too often over-reacted or didn't 
react at all.  Rearing children, like practicing medicine, is an inexact science at best.

Now that I eagerly anticipate my older son's graduation, I must trust the principles and guidance 
his mother and I have tried to instill within him while seeking his forgiveness for all those areas 
where we fell short.  We didn't always perform at our best; but we did try to leave a legacy and 
set a direction that would eventually lead to God's glory and heaven's portals.  I have always told 
my sons that I have only three hopes for them:  (1)  That they would stay faithful to their Lord all 
their lives; (2) that, if they married, they would marry a Christian; and (3) that they would be 
active in a church family, using their talents to glorify their heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus 
Christ.  I never thought it was too much to expect of one's children.

As I await the dreaded, commencement exercises (actually, I'm so excited I can hardly wait), 
several thoughts come to my mind for those who have young children.  If you will indulge me, let 
me make a few suggestions that might make your child's graduation one of celebration and not 
regret.

First, "rear your child in the church!"  In other words, make church life the center point of your 
family life.  Be there every time the doors are open and make sure your child is involved in 
everything from Sunday School to youth activities.  We all tend to move in the direction of our most 
prominent thought and for our children, that thought needs to be Jesus Christ.

Second, enjoy every moment, especially the insignificant ones.  While I wouldn't want to "wrestle" 
with my son now (he's way too big for me), I still cherish the times we rolled and tumbled with 
great laughter across the floor of the living room.  From learning to ride a bike to navigating the 
traffic of Nashville, each learning experience for him is a cherished memory for dad.

Finally, never stop being a parent.  We sometimes think that just because they have graduated, we no 
longer have any influence over our children.  Nothing is further from the truth.  Some parents do 
their best work after their children's eighteenth birthday.   God bless! 

Because We're His People
Leslie Chapman