By Bobby McKay
Look at you! You are ready to conquer the world, to make a difference, and to share your light with a world that needs it. I have no doubt God’s path for you will be blessed and more rewarding than you could imagine. You undoubtedly have many people to thank who have helped you on your journey. Teachers, coaches, student pastors, and parents may have all left their mark in ways you may not fully realize until later in life.
There is one aspect of your achievements you may have not yet considered. I am referring to the alphabet. Chances are you have not recited the alphabet in a while, but contemplate how far it has taken you. It would have been impossible to achieve all you have up to this point without adequately using the 26 letters. Your ABCs have served you well and made all learning possible. As you prepare for graduation, the ABCs you are most concerned about are GPA, ACT, SAT, etc. Can I offer you a fresh look at the ABCs moving forward that will help you in the days ahead?
Allow.
Allow yourself not to know everything and to make mistakes. No one knows everything about anything. Give yourself grace and patience while venturing through life. No one expects you to have each detail figured out, and you should not either. If you change your mind about where to go to college or work, do not apologize. When you come up short or make a wrong decision, know that God is quick to forgive and is ready to provide guidance.
Build.
Build a foundation of your belief system, ethics, and convictions. You will be tested each day to compromise who you are and what you profess to believe. Your foundation is essential in the classroom, your relationships, and your treatment of others. Feed your foundation with the truth. Storms and disappointments will come, but with the proper foundation, you can stand.
Crossroads.
Crossroads are important. Pay attention to each season of your life. When you come to a crossroads, decisions must be made. There have been at least two crucial crossroads in my life that were not easy. The best thing you can do when you come to a crossroads is step back and seek the wisdom of God through prayer and His word. Reach out to mature Christians who can help give you a Godly viewpoint. Crossroads are not meant to destroy but rather offer us a choice that can define us.
Always go forward. Life is to be lived, but remember that it all started with the alphabet. Now you know your ABCs, won’t you apply them with me?
Bobby McKay is the pastor at New Liberty Baptist Church in Scott County and a regular contributor to The Baptist Paper. He and his wife, Amy, have two daughters and one dog. He graduated from San Diego Christian College, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and Campbellsville University, with additional work completed at Princeton Theological Seminary.