Today I stumbled across the file on my computer containing my Valedictorian speech from my high school graduation (dating almost exactly two years ago). It brought back many old thoughts and memories. Here it is:
"Class of 2008,
The time has finally arrived and another season in our lives is coming to a close. We are filled with memories from the past and anticipation for the future as the last sentence in this chapter of our lives is being written. As we begin our journey and make our individual marks on the world, we must continuously humble ourselves and remember the purpose we are here for. We are part of a chosen generation, and as we step out into the plans God has for us, it is time to release every doubt, fear, lie, and excuse that holds us back from becoming the people God created us to be. As we continue to follow God and seek Him with all our heart, He will reveal His character to each of us more, because the more we understand who He is, the more we cannot help but adore Him. Always remember that when you are weak, God is strong. When you are faithless, God is faithful. When you fall down, it is He that will pick you up. Amidst our world of evil and destruction, He is the only thing even close to hope. He is the King of Peace on this worrisome and commotion-filled earth. It is my prayer that as each of us steps out into the futures God has for us, He will instill in our hearts and minds wisdom, wisdom that cannot come from a text book or study guide, but only from God. Many times, it is not the big decision that are so important, such as what college we attend or what career we choose, but the small ones we make in our daily lives. It is the little choices that we overlook and take for granted that collectively form the life we live: the decision to do what is right when it is easier to do wrong, to trust that God is faithful when all logic and circumstances tell you not to, to stop and help someone when everyone else keeps walking. If we are going to change the world it is not going to be through fame or wealth, but through the relationships we develop with God and others. To love God an others with everything we have and are it a choice we will have to make daily. Our class is a group of people filled with more intelligence, talent, leadership, and potential than most others can boast about. God has commanded us to glorify Him in everything and to spread His love to the ends of the earth, and He has generously equipped us to do so. To whom much is given much is also asked. Our time on earth is all we are given to prepare for where we will endlessly be beyond the grave. As we each step out into the different plans and futures God has for us, set your gaze completely on the One who is faithful and will never disappoint you. I will conclude by praying a section of Psalm 40 over the class as they begin the exciting journey that awaits them.
'We waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to us and heard our cry. He lifted us out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set our feet on a rock and gave us a firm place to stand. He put a new song in our mouths, a hymn of praise to our God. Many, O Lord our God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were we to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare. We desire to do your will, O God; your law is within our hearts. We proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; we do not sea out lips, as you know, O Lord. We do not hide your righteousness in our hearts; we speak of your faithfulness and salvation. We do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. Do not withhold your mercy from us, O Lord; may your love and your truth always protect us. Amen.'
Thank you for your time. Congratulations, Class of 2008!"
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