My parents had the most wonderful idea for a graduation gift... they gathered a book full of letters about "Life Lessons From Those Who Know You Best". I am so grateful for that book. Even 13 years later, I still go back and read them from time to time. It is amazing how God can use that gift even now. Apparently my incessant need to ask questions and gather information and knowledge has been around for a long time. One letter in particular grabbed my attention tonight:
Forgiveness - "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your transgressions." Mark 11:25
Becks,
Well here you are. You have finally made it. Congratulations the first part of your life has come to an end. So now it is off to college, right? Anyway whatever it is that you decide to do with your life, may you always remember that the people who helped to make you who you are today, all did so because they care about you.
I have been asked to write for you on the subject of forgiveness. Now both you and I know that this is not my strongest suit. However I have learned over time one or two things that may be helpful in your journeys through life.
So the time has come for you to go to college? What about all of the people you will be leaving behind? Your friends, and your family. Won't they be hurt when you go? Sure they will, a little. But they understand that it is not something you do to cause them pain. Instead you are attempting to better yourself as a person. For that reason the friends and relatives can forgive that hurt. And what about your first boyfriend you meet in college? Won't you be hurt when he tells you it just isn't going to work out? Of course you will. But does that mean with any certainty that he does not care about you? Does it mean that he is no longer interested in what you are feeling? You know as well as I that is not true. And you will forgive him. As he will forgive you the spiteful things you may say when he breaks you the news.
You see it is human nature to forgive. Whether we wish to or no, we will forgive. Forgiveness is within us, it is a part of us and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Forgiveness is not a quality we can learn, or acquire over time. Forgiveness simply is. To use a cliche "To err is human, to forgive divine" (Alexander Pope).
You once asked me "Why, if one person doesn't like something, does everyone else have to change? Why do parents say they trust you only to take turns playing twenty questions? Why is everything in this world so made up? Why do we have to live through life not knowing the future? Why are we graded in gym? Why do we date? Why not just up and get married?" Then you asked, "What will it be like to be an adult living in the real world?" Hun you are about to get your answers. That is what life is all about, it is what makes life worth living. Finding the answers to all of our questions. It drives us on and keeps us going. In my senior yearbook I quoted "Life's a journey, not a destination." I go that from being with you. If we knew the future, what would be the point of fulfilling it? If we just went straight out and got married, we wouldn't experience all of the joy, and heartache that make finding the right person all worth it. Life is about life, it's about what we do with it, not where we are at the end. Now you find yourself at the beginning of a new trail that will lead you through life. Now you get to find out what it means to be an adult in the "real world." You are a strong character. You have been blessed with many positive qualities. And you have been raised to withhold the highest of moral standards. Your journey through life will be a wonderful one. It has taken me a long time, but I finally have the answers to almost every question you ever asked me. And yet, I will not reveal those answers to you. To do so would only sour your experience on the journey that is life.
Over the time that we have known each other, cared for each other, and loved one another, we have done things that have caused the other to hurt. Never intentionally, still we have. I have forgiven you all of those things, as you have forgiven me. You are a good person Becky and no one will ever be able to change that. I will never forget you, so long as I live I will remember everything you taught me, every feeling you brought up in me, and everything you meant to me. And you will always be my Becks. I wish you all of the best in everything you do. And when the baton drops, check the audience from time to time for a familiar face immersed in your love, your beauty, and your music. Best of luck to you. May you find joy and happiness in everything you do. And do not ever forget what you always told me... "Music is the face of the soul."
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