This past weekend I had the opportunity to give a "charge" at some dear homeschool graduates' backyard graduation. In prepping for it, I felt led to write down life lessons that have radically effected the way I function, lead, and how I live. I was able to produce 40 of these life lessons that have made a huge impact. Many of these I have learned SINCE I've graduated. Therefore, the wisdom in them is quite applicable to this season of life. I hope you enjoy!
P.S. We named them "Lauren's Lovely Life Lessons" because last year in youth group, I gave a series of mini lectures on dating and relationship and the group named them, "Lauren's Lamenting Lectures on Love." Since the graduation message was for two of these youth, I had to carry on the tradition of a tacky name with a lot of L's.
- God cares about the process, not just the end goal or result.
- Walk in the light the Lord gives you.
- Standing is holy work and can be equally as powerful as doing.
- Never underestimate faithfulness and perseverance.
- It’s the little things that develop and show integrity.
- Long suffering is just that – suffering long with someone.
- Learn to hear God.
- Learn to say, “No.”
- Learn to rest and sabbath.
- Keep a soft heart; it’s your most valuable asset to the Lord.
- Honor means to go the extra mile (see Romans 12 for more into this)
- Offense and unforgiveness are poison
- “You’ve never met a mere mortal.” – C.S. Lewis
- Make a goal to read at least 1 missionary biography per year.
- You can never please everyone, so don’t try.
- Have a mentor and friend you can be accountable to and 100% honest with.
- The wolf picks off lone sheep. Don’t become a loner or isolated from the community of believers.
- New cars and payment plans for impulse buys are money holes.
- You appreciate things more if you have to wait for them.
- As soon as possible: invest financially for retirement.
- Don’t go into debt for things that depreciate.
- A budget is a freeing thing.
- The way of the world is buying and selling but the way of the Kingdom is giving and receiving.
- Music, books, nature, and board games are greater than tv and video games.
- Learn from books/reading and you can learn anything.
- Write in your Bible and books.
- Keep a journal of what God does.
- There’s always someone better than you AND there’s always someone worse than you.
- Take care of yourself – body, soul, and spirit. You don’t want to die early because you did something dumb and didn’t take care of yourself.
- Make it your goal to be a spiritual parent by building Christ in others. “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 Jn. 1:4)
- You can’t speak into someone’s life more than the relationship can afford.
- Do what you can for people and then let them go. Don’t chase people down unless the Lord specifically commands it of you.
- Even doctors need doctors. Go for counseling and get help when you’re stuck.
- Know your weak areas and sure them up; the devil waits for opportune times.
- God’s very nature is FAITHFUL. Even when we don’t see Him working, He is.
- Pruning is for my good.
- Birthing something requires incubation and labor.
- Do what I’ve called YOU to do and be what I’ve called YOU to be to accomplish what I’ve called YOU to accomplish.
- Worship carries you through life with steadiness and perspective.
- The most effective and greatest ministry happens at your home.