Seniors Are Full of Lessons

For Life for Class of 2004

By DR. DAVID L. CHANCEY
Pastor

Several years ago a student named Adam Brown was preparing to go to college. His dad, Jackson, decided to write down the most important things his son would need to know as he prepared for life in the “real” world. He put his advice in the form of a little booklet, and eventually the booklet was published under the title of “Life’s Little Instruction Booklet.” It sold millions of copies.

On a recent Sunday, our student ministry hosted a nice lunch for our senior adults after Sunday morning worship. Our young people served the meal, and two students sat with seniors at each table. As they ate, they asked questions that helped start discussion. Questions included “What was your favorite childhood memory?” “How much was a Coke when you were a teenager?” “How much was a movie?”

After the meal, two of our senior adults shared words of advice and encouragement with our young people and with one another.

The last question on the “ice-breaker” list brought about the biggest response, however. It was something like, “what lesson for life would you share with these teenagers?” Below is some of the wisdom shared with the group:

*If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas!

*Keep in touch with God through Bible study, prayer, church attendance, family and friends.

*Remember who you are and what you are Ð God’s creation.

*Always follow directions; they may save your life!

*Respect and appreciate your parents. You won’t always have them with you.

*Take time to enjoy each day.

*God is always with you no matter where you are.

*Do something useful every day and don’t waste your time.

*Try to slow down instead of living life so fast. Realize every day is special.

*Treat others as you would like to be treated.

*Whatever you do, be sure to do your best.

*Put God first each day.

*Be responsible.

*When choosing a mate, it’s very important as a Christian to choose a Christian.

*Be patient and always do the right thing.

*Always be honest with yourself and others. Tell the truth!

*Stop working when you are 80-years-old.

*Don’t associate with anybody you can’t bring home with you.

*Begin tithing when you get your first job.

*Always draw your confidence from God.

*Go nowhere that you would not want to be when Jesus comes; do nothing you would not want to be doing when Jesus comes; say nothing you would not want to be heard saying when Jesus comes.

*Honor God in all that you do.

*Stay away from drugs and liquor and wait on sex until you get married!

*Every age group needs a smile and a word of greeting.

*Remember, what goes around comes around. You reap what you sow.

*Choose your friends carefully.

*Listen carefully. You may learn something.

*Learn to laugh a lot. Even God has a sense of humor!

*Don’t sweat the small stuff.

Great advice for folks of any age. Now we just need to hear and heed. As the class of 2004 walks across that platform and is handed that diploma, we wish them well, and encourage them to be wise.

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, 352 McDonough Road, Fayetteville. The church family invites you to join them this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. Vacation Bible School is June 7-11, 9-noon.).