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To the seniors who are graduating in the next few weeks, I offer my congratulations. This should be one of the most exciting times of your life.

The people who will carry the fondest memories into the future are those who celebrate sober with families and friends. Please don’t allow alcohol or illegal drugs to rob you from enjoying something you have worked so hard to accomplish.

With all the good times you will have and the recognition you will receive, I know you also have great expectations for a successful future. I realize that many of you are a little frightened at the uncertainty you face. What does life hold for me? Where will I fit in?

These are legitimate questions considering all the problems we have in this troubled world. May I offer a suggestion to where you can find the solution to every situation in life — the Bible. In fact, it would be the perfect graduation gift. It not only has the answer to every problem, it is also full of promises to those who choose the godly way. One of these promises is found in I Corinthians 2:9, … “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.

To everyone who receives a diploma: Let me remind you that graduation is not the end, but the beginning of a new life. It’s time to make some important decisions. If you’re a high school graduate and have decided to further your education, you must decide which college you will attend and in what field you want to specialize.

To the young people who will enter the workforce: You must decide if you just want a job, or an opportunity to learn a trade and enjoy life while making a living.

I am reminded of something that I heard over 40 years ago. It was from a motivational lecture and the speaker said, “Most people die at age 21; they just don’t get buried until they’re 85 or 90.” I didn’t understand that statement then, but now I know perfectly well that it means most people just exist. They don’t really live and enjoy life.

I remember one of my daughters coming home from school one day and repeating what her teacher had said. “Daddy,” she said, “did you know that successful people don’t have a good attitude because they are successful; they are successful because they had a good attitude.”

Please allow me to encourage everyone who is graduating to remember that America, with all its troubles, is still the land of opportunity. My prayer for each of you is that you tackle the future with enthusiasm and a desire to make this world a better place in which to live.

As the late president, John Kennedy, took his oath of office, he said, “Let us not ask what our country can do for us, but what we can do for our country.” The most successful people are those who are givers and not takers.

I am excited about the opportunities that are available to all the graduates. It’s your choice. Will you be a giver, or a taker? Will you possess a positive attitude, or will you be negative? Will you choose to live life to the fullest, or just exist? It’s entirely up to you!

 

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 504-881-0113, or e-mail hkeller@comcast.net.