Lisa Life Lesson- "Top 10 List for Graduates and their parents!"

Several years ago, I was asked to speak to a group of seniors and their parents upon their impending graduation from high school.  I was given 10 minutes to share my thoughts.  At that time,  my daughters had already graduated from high school, so I knew what the parents were needing to hear, and naturally I knew exactly what the students needed to hear! So, God laid on my heart some "high points" and I developed the top 10 list.  A little background into #10 - when I wrote the Top 10 List, I was planning a wedding with my eldest daughter.  She had planned her wedding Pinterest style, like most girls her age.  Pinterest is not realistic.  Pinterest has no budget.  Pinterest has unlimited resources.  Pinterest is evil.  Enjoy!

Top Ten List for Graduating Seniors and their Parents

10.  Pinterest is evil. (Kidding but not really…)

9.  YOLO is not real.  Think about it.

8.  Get a job.  Many college graduates have never worked, can’t produce a resume, and wonder why they can’t get a job out of college.  USA TODAY reported several years ago that the spring semester of the senior year is one of the greatest wastelands in America…why, you know where you’re going to school, you’ve already been accepted, you take your foot off the gas…so you have time to get a job.  Work!  Get a paycheck, from a real employer and put money in a real bank.

7.  Start doing your own laundry.  Moms, stop doing their laundry.  

6.  Just because you’re able to, doesn’t make it right for you.  Your world is about to open up and you will have many opportunities come your way.  Just because a door opens, doesn’t mean you walk through it.  Just because society says you’re “allowed” to do things, think about it…is this right for me?  Set boundaries for yourself that even your parents might not set for you.  That’s the sign of a spiritually mature person who gets that their life is not their own.

5.  If you have one true friend you are blessed.  

4.  Be thankful.  God chose you to be born here, in America, where you have been given more than you need.  Don’t waste this privilege.  Be passionate about something.  Give back and serve.  

3.  Seniors, be patient with your parents this year as they try to squeeze in everything you need to know in the next 3-4 months.  

2.  Set goals.  God’s word tells us without vision, people perish.  Be a goal setter.  Set physical goals, spiritual goals, academic goals and community goals.  If you need a reference look up Luke 2:52.  Don’t just aimlessly wonder through life without a vision for what God wants and expects for your life.  You were created for a purpose.  Learn what that is and strive for greatness.

1.  I guarantee you this.  You will NEVER regret living your life for Christ and pursuing Him.  You were created for a relationship with Him.  That’s why you live.  You were born to meet Jesus.  That is your premier relationship.  Don’t think that spending time with Him is just for you, it’s for Him too.  He wants to be with you.  He longs to be with you.  His love is real and forever.  There’s nothing you can do to change that.  

Lisa Clark
Sky Ranch Parenting Mentor