Blessings for the Graduate

It is hard to believe, but after all the book reports, teacher conferences, science fair projects, athletic events, and music performances … high school graduation is here! Graduation is a time of celebration, a time of reflection over the past twelve years, of excitement (and a little nervousness) about the future and that bittersweet feeling whenever something ends. As this chapter of life closes for the graduate in your life how will you make this time special and memorable for them and give them a blessing for their future?

Graduation parties are a great time for friends and family to celebrate graduation. Whether a casual cookout, a come and go reception or a more formal dinner party, the atmosphere can be made festive with balloon bouquets in the graduate’s school colors and photos of the graduate displayed in an attractive centerpiece (hint: make sure they approve the photos you choose!) Party confetti on the tables and a music/video of the graduate are other touches to make the party special.

Graduation cards and gifts are an opportunity to congratulate, bless and give words of counsel to the graduate. The easiest, most practical and probably most appreciated gift is money! Graduates face many expenses whether they are headed to college or the workplace and a gift of money is very helpful. But there are other gifts that are more enduring and memorable as well. An engraved study Bible or devotional book is an inspired gift and a reminder to keep priorities in order. Organizational tools and guides will help young people be successful as they are on their own. Photo collages or albums of family, friends and special memories will help them stay grounded and remind them they are loved. (The DVD you had made for their graduation party would serve the same purpose.) Girls like anything monogrammed, boys are a little harder. A friend of mine asked people who had been an influence in her daughter’s life to write words of counsel and advice to her daughter and she planned to bind them into a book for her. One gift which is free and yet priceless, would be to commit to pray for that young person on a daily or weekly basis. You could tell them of your commitment and even invite them to share with you specific requests, if they wish, via phone or e-mail. Whatever gift you give, take a few moments to write a personal note to them and maybe include a Bible verse, such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which will be a blessing to them as they begin a new chapter of their life.

Here are just a few ideas and pictures Lori has put together to help you get those creative juices flowing:

Reusable decorative bags monogrammed. You can find these by clicking here. I placed a book inside each one. Some of the books you might consider are the following:

The Keeper’s Ministry hears the same statement over and over again. “I wished I would have learned these Truths before I got married or before I had children.” So there is no better time to get those young women learning God’s plan for them as women than now. Even if they don’t read it now you can pray that someday soon God will direct their path to it.
Same Kind of Different as Me is a wonderfully inspiring book spiritually and emotionally. A true story that will bless and challenge you. For me, I couldn’t put it down!

To encourage them in their spiritual journey you might consider, The Life you have Always Wanted by John Ortberg. My son, who is a junior in college, and I read this book together this past year then met regularly to discuss it.

If you want to give them a book that is incredibly challenging to their spiritual journey then I would highly recommend A Call to Die by David Nassar. I can’t say enough about this devotional. I have worked through it several times in the last five years and I am challenged to grow in my walk every time.

A very practical gift that both my boys have used is this canvas laundry bag. It was monogrammed with my son’s name and he uses it during the week as well as carries his laundry home and back in it. It has large canvas handles on the side that makes it easy to carry.

Please share with us ideas of your own so we can learn from you as well!

Blessings,

Carla and Lori