Scripture: Come unto me, all you that are carrying heavy burdens, and I will
give you rest. Matthew 11:28 (NRSV)
Our son was a member of his High School football team and a starting member of
the baseball team for his junior and senior year. He had a part time job after
school and on Saturday. He was fully involved in the church youth activities.
His grades were above average but not superior.
He went to his High School Guidance Counselor for guidance about college. He was
told, "with your grades you can't get into the college of your choice and if by
chance you did you could not stay in.".
He gave up all sports, went to the calculus teacher and persuaded him, against
his better judgment, to let him monitor the class, a course that he would need
to graduate from the college of his choice. He was allowed to do so but got no
credit for the course. The calculus teacher told him that he did not have the
prerequisities required for the course and that he probably would not learn very
much but that he would help him after class as much as he could. Five years
later he got a Masters degree from the college of his choice (A Major
Architectural/Engineering University in the USA).
The difference: The Guidance Counselor was not willing to give him a chance. The
calculus teacher was.
Many young people are about to graduate. Many have been given little chance in
life. Be reminded young people, that God, like the calculus teacher - He sees
possibility in us. He never gives up on us.
You've gotten the kind words and signatures of hundreds of your friends in your
school Annuals. These are rightly very special to you but you very likely will
not ever see most of these friends, except on rare occasions, ever again. Choose
their influence very carefully. Set goals, ask God to be your leader as you
leave High School for life, for college or as you leave college for life. He
will be there when others, who are supposed to hold you up, let you down. "Come
to me," He says, "I will be there." You can't count on any other friend like
that.
Virgil Lee virgilsu@rose.net Retired
United Methodist Pastor (2000), married with precious wife, two wonderful
children and four God given grand children. I served forty years before being
forced to retire because of health. Love to write. I still teach Sunday School
and do some visiting. Have one book of published devotionals.
Note: Our son was a practicing architect for six years and felt that God wanted
him somewhere else where he could be more helpful to mankind so he went back to
school and is now in his fourth year of medical school.
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
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