Letter to Edvard on his graduation

Dear Edvard,

Mom and I are excited to see you graduate from high school and head to college. We think you're ready and we're very proud of you. We remember the day you were born, kicking and crying and ready to take on the world. You were and are a beautiful son.

Psalm 127 says that children are a reward to parents, like arrows in the hand of a warrior. And an arrow is something you point in the right direction, then let it fly. So here are some things we'd like to say to you as we release the bow string.

In the 18 years you've been in our house, we've observed what kind of person you are. You're a fun-loving person. You make friends easily and know how to have a good time.

You're a diligent worker. After getting through the normal amount of procrastination, you can buckle down and get the work done, at school, at work, or wherever it's needed. And you do this with very little complaining.

You've been given a sharp mind. You're able to understand new things quickly and aren't scared of the abstract or the mathematical. You're an adventurous person, traveling to Bemidji to study Russian, learning to play golf when no one in your family knew a thing about it, and picking up the bass guitar and just figuring it out.

Finally, mom and I know that you're a trustworthy person. We've asked you to take on responsibilities at home, even when we're on the other side of the country, and you make it all happen.

All of these qualities are blessings that God has given you, and they will be assets as you move on to your next stage of life.

We also wanted to give you a few words from the Bible's wisdom literature for the road ahead.

First, Proverbs 13:20 says "Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm." We all end up imitating the people we're around, and at Grove City College you have a great opportunity to choose who you're going to hang out with. Be a friendly person, try lots of things, make lots of new friends, but also be discerning about who you become close with. Look for people who love the Lord, who pursue wisdom, and they will help you become a wise person yourself.

Second, Proverbs 12:24 days, "The hand of the diligent will rule, while the slothful will be put to forced labor." If you learn to work hard at your studies, whether it's Computer Science or another discipline that captures your interest, it opens up a world of possibilities. The world is hungry for capable, diligent people and they get to lead the way. But if you take it easy, just hanging out, what the Bible calls "sloth", you end up getting forced into dead-end situations. Now is the time to grow your capacity.

And finally, Ecclesiastes 12:1 says "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth." Your mom and I have shown you what it means to follow Christ. You know how God's Word is guidance for us and God's people are an encouragement to us. But now it remains for you to choose to continue in your faith and grow into a mature man of God. You have a lot of things before you, but you will do well to remember where you've come from.

We love you very much, Eddie, and we are praying for God's blessing and guidance in your life. We are so grateful that God gave you to us as our son.

Love, Mom and Dad