STAR WARS

In the late ’70s, my son Tommy collected Star Wars figurines. From time to time, we would go to Toys ’R Us for him to pick out the ones he wanted. He would think about it a long time, and finally decide on one of the small figurines from the bottom shelf (which as I recall, was the Han Solo.) Meanwhile, I had been looking three shelves up at Solo’s spacecraft, the Millennium Falcon. I said, “Well, why don’t we get this to go with your new figure?” His little eyes lit up. “Daddy! Thank you!” And he gave me a big hug.

When we would get home and carry in his new prize, sometimes Mary Ann would roll her eyes because we really couldn’t afford it. Then Tommy and I would run upstairs to his room, plop on the floor, open up the toys and play with them together.

After a while, Tommy learned that when we were in the toy store and I asked him what he wanted, his best bet was to say, “You choose, Daddy!” Then I would always get him something better than he would have chosen for himself.

I have often used that as an illustration to point out that we should let God choose for us and never be afraid to commit an unknown future to a known God.

God’s plans for you will always be better than your plans for yourself.

FOR GRADUATES 2010

The strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” have been heard in auditoriums, arenas and gymnasiums for a couple of weeks now, and they will echo for a while longer, as schools—from kindergarten through university—conclude the academic year.

To the Class of 2010, here are a few words of encouragement as you are wondering what comes next:

Remember, this is only the beginning, not the end. That’s why they call the diploma-degree-conferring-ceremony a "commencement."

Never stop learning. If you want to be successful, keep on studying, thinking and learning for the rest of your life.

Don’t forget the line to the old country song, “Hard work never done a body harm.” If you work hard and give it your best, you'll cut your regrets in half and double your satisfaction in life.

Laugh. If I have to tell you why, you won’t get it. Just take my word for it.

Give love away. No matter how much math you’ve learned, you’ll never master this equation: the more love you bestow on others, the more you receive.

Take time for family and friends. Sure, you must work hard, but don't work your life away. And don’t spend all your off-time on yourself. At the end of your days, the time you will have treasured most is the time you spent with the people you love.

Most of all, glorify God by worshipping the Father, adoring the Son and listening to the Holy Spirit. A life grounded in God, committed to Christ and empowered by the Spirit is the only life worth living.