Graduation Day is one of the most fun, emotional days you’ll love experiencing! You’ve worked hard in school for 13 years or in College for 4, 6 or even more years. You’ve made goals and met some, fell short on some and even exceeded your own expectations in others.
You Are a Graduate!
Now what?
Time to enjoy life! Enjoy all the pleasures of adulthood. Time to… wait!!!!
Don’t get so wrapped up in the future that you step right over the amazing little things in life that have the greatest impact!
Enjoy these little things in life that are actually HUGE:
1. Take time to enjoy today! – Yes, I wish for the weekend, I wish for vacation but I also take time to enjoy the right here and right now of today. It’s a gift and we’ll never get it back.
2. Surround yourself with positive things! – Negative things abound and usually cover up anything that is positive. Seek out the positive, surround yourself with positive things, verses and/or people. This is something small that makes a huge difference when times get tough…and trust me, times will get tough.
3. Take time to enjoy the moment! – I love taking photos. I love getting family together for our photos because they will smile but they will also be crazy and I love that. I love taking photos of vacation and other places I’m visiting but sometimes, I just love the journey. Sometimes when walking on the beach I leave my camera off. Sometimes when exploring a new place, I don’t take photos at all, I just enjoy the moment.
4. Stop and smell the roses! – Seriously, when is the last time that you stopped on your way into doing your grocery shopping and instead of walking by the flowers, you stopped and smelled a few? Do you know what else you could do? You could pick up a small bouquet and purchase them and then give them to a sweet little lady as you walk out the door or take them to one of your neighbors. Flowers are amazing!
5. Show gratitude daily! – This little thing will take you such a long way and while many feel that it is not worth the effort, that is precisely why it IS worth the effort! Be thankful, show gratitude and appreciation.
6. Enjoy time with friends and family! – Your schedule is getting full and the hopes and dreams that you’ve been working on all of these years are finally coming true. Make time with friends and family to just enjoy their company! They’ve been there for you and they will keep being there for you. Spend time being wrapped up in them.
7. Stay faithful and remain focused on your Heavenly Father! – What if your dreams and plans don’t come true. What if your journey is going down a road you didn’t choose? What if…. My kids know that I despise playing the “what if” game. I don’t do it. Stay focused on your Father and not what you think are failures. Everything that happens now…right now, is preparing you for something that you’ll face in the future. Keep Romans 8:28 close to your heart! Keep focused on God’s Promises for your life. Don’t lose faith by losing touch with the Lord.
These are just a few of the things that make life big! What would you add? What little things make life big for you?
Do you have someone graduating in your world? Have you decided what to get them? I love giving devotional books to encourage others and Family Christian Bookstore has several of them.
You can get these items for the Graduates, Mom’s or Dad’s in your world to encourage them and reminding them of the little things in life!
God’s little Instruction Book for Graduates (Just 6.99):
Bible Verses to Encourage (as of Right now these are half off and are only $5):
Here are a few other Devotionals I purchase from Family Christian…and yes, all were on sale!
Blessings of Heaven – (Various Authors)
Whispers of Hope by Beth Moore
Daily Whispers of Encouragement
What gifts do you give to encourage others?
Do you send cards? Write letters?
What are the little things in your life that make life big?
Thanks to Family Christian for providing the Devotional and an Appreciation certificate so that I could purchase some gifts for the Grads in my world in exchange for this encouraging article. All JOYful opinions are completely my own and I was not required to give a positive review.
You can see all of their sale items here.
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Marie, I found this post very encouraging not only for graduates but for anyone… it encouraged me! I love when you said: “Keep Romans 8:28 close to your heart! Keep focused on God’s Promises for your life. Don’t lose faith by losing touch with the Lord.” Thank you so much for sharing! Love ya!
Thanks Angie! We truly do lose faith when we get out of touch with the Lord. It’s such a small thing as far as spending time with God, growing with God but it has HUGE results.
You are so loved here and I’m so thankful for you!
Enjoy, be still but don’t procrastinate. 🙂
This inspired me to write my own commencement speech. Soon maybe. 🙂
Lux Ganzon recently posted..When Your Life Is In A Detour
Thank you for the reminder Marie ????
Mellie (@JustMellieM)
Sorry for the ???. I guess comments don’t support emojis. I meant for 🙂
Mellie recently posted..It’s Okay to Not Know What’s Next
Love this, Marie! Especially #7. That is the best advice and I wish I had this list long ago! Thanks for sharing 🙂 Blessings from #bloggercaregroup
Kelly recently posted..10 Earth Day Freebies for Kids
What great gift ideas!! I have a few friends who are graduating from college and will definitely check these options out!! 🙂
Jamie recently posted..Recipes & More! “Lazy Cake Cookies” – #TastyTuesday
What a wonderful, encouraging post, Marie! Great advice for the graduates, as well as each of us! Thanks for the reminders for us to remember too!
What excellent reminders! My kids are still a ways off from graduating but I’m trying to lay these foundations, with God’s help, now. It’s not easy but I know the work will pay off. I LOVE these gifts – so beautiful!
Gina B recently posted..Herban Lifestyle Mother’s Day for Special Needs Moms #herbanlifestyle #Ad
Hard to believe it is already graduation time! Such great reminders to stop and appreciate the season God has you in, especially during a big life change like graduation. Thank you also for the gift ideas. I love the God’s Little Instruction book for 2015.
Thanks for the awesome encouragement!
Sam Eaton recently posted..My April Guest Post @ JoyPedrow.com on Busyness
Oh how true Marie. We can all look forward to everything but then not actually settle and enjoy all the different aspects and beauties within them.
Thanks for the great post, Marie! As Angie B., Mellie, and others have already said these actions can be applied to everyone! You are a continued example of how small acts of kindness can bring joy to the lives of people around us.
{{HUGS}},
Clarissa