Memo to the Class of 1999

This being the season of graduation, and since we are living in a age where our greatest lessons came from kindergarten, here are a few brief thoughts that may help you along the way. The woman who said, “Wear sunscreen” had a good point. But it’s not a big deal if you don’t.

Life is short. It probably doesn’t seem that way today, but soon enough you’ll look back and wonder where the years went.

Find your passion and then follow it. God never wastes anything, especially not the desires he puts inside your heart.

Find out what you like to do, learn how to do it well, and then spend the rest of your life doing it.

Figure out what you won’t do and then don’t do it. Youll be happy you didn’t. Stand up for what you believe is right, even if you have to stand alone.

Make a list of the things youd like to do before you retire. Put the list where you can find it every few years so you can see how you’re doing. Thirty years from now the list will give you a good laugh.

Honor your parents. God promised a special blessing when you do, and they deserve it. Even if you don’t think they do, they do, and even if they don’t, you need to do it anyway.

Keep a journal. Over the years you will be able to trace God’s fingerprints in your life.

Smile. Life is too short (see above) not to enjoy each day.

Always have some duct tape handy. And a 3×5 card. Trust me on this.

Memo to guys: Girls are mysterious. This will not change over the years.

Memo to girls: Guys don’t have a clue. Never have, never will.

Learn how to write well and how to speak in public. If you can do those two things, you will always be able to find a job.

A good question: What would Jesus do?
Another good question: How would my parents handle this?
Another good question: How will I feel about this tomorrow?
Another good question: What if my family and friends could see me now?

Success isn’t final and failure isn’t fatal. Popularity is overrated and jealousy doesn’t satisfy.

Pray every day to become the person God wants you to be.

Its okay to say “I love you” to those who mean the most to you.

Remember the First Rule of the Spiritual Life: He’s God and we’re not.

Congratulations to the Class of 1999. May your dreams be greater than your memories.