Hold tight to the sounds of the music of school days

Happy songs from the laughter of children at play

Let us stroll through the halls and step out on  the  playground

Making memories of what was today..

It’s been a long time since I thought of that song.  Ten years, I guess. Our class sang it at graduation. Ten years ago. This reality caused me to go to the archives for some old pictures. I told a friend that I didn’t think we had changed much since high school.  Ha DENIAL..:) Enjoy the pics from the Class of 2004.

Last night we enjoyed a very beautiful evening at Calvin and Su’s. The food and fellowship were fantastic and as always- I loved the opportunity to be around my peers’ families. Children are so much fun and we were blessed with lots of little people with lots of personality, last night. The years have brought lots of change, and not in a bad way!

So my thoughts are running in all directions, this weekend. Friday night was the graduation ceremony of two of my cousins. (Congrats to the class of 2014!) And then the reality that it’s been 10 years since that was me…

As I listened to the sage advice that always comes at graduation, I had to wonder what I’ve learned/am learning since then.  Too much to write, obviously. Those 10 years, that passed by in the blink of an eye, were packed full of laughter, adventure, unique experiences, and so much learning. God has dealt so graciously with me! But a few things came to mind- that I wish I’d learned earlier- things I still don’t have a complete grasp on- but I’m trying.

Dear Kendra,

• So obliviously, you “become a teenager”, “turn 16”, “get your drivers license”,” graduate” , these are all things you attain, and after that, its accomplished. You do not “become an adult” and it’s “game over”, with everything being handled in a mature “adult like manner”.. 🙂 Instead being an adult is a journey.
• Learn to embrace change, realizing that the God who sees the sparrow fall, has a perfect plan for you, and can only accomplish that through change. So relax. It is not your job to worry, God will work out the details. Your job is to have faith, and rest in that knowledge.
• Learn to love unconditionally. This is the core of Christianity, and yet it’s so easy to only have compassion, IF the recipient meets our level of expectations. True Christ-like love is there no matter what. A friend of mine often used “the soap box” stating that “People are your best investments ever.” That is so true. Never be too busy or preoccupied that you don’t stop and look into the heart of the situation.. Put on compassion.
• Along with Love comes the need of forgiveness. It’s such a beautiful thing. But learn to extend that to yourself. You cannot achieve the perfection you desire (but do keep trying.. 🙂 ); learn to give yourself a little bit of grace.. I discovered this quote recently and it spoke to me…

“The acceptance of oneself is the essence of the whole moral problem and the epitome of a whole outlook on life. That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the  name of Christ–all these are undoubtedly great virtues. What I do unto the least of these my brethren, that I do unto Christ. But what if I should discover the least among them all, the poorest of all beggars, the most impudent offenders, the very enemy himself–that these are within me, and that I myself stand in need of the alms of my own kindness– that I myself am the enemy who must be loved–what then? As a rule, the Christian’s attitude is then reversed; there is no longer any question of love or long-suffering; we say “Raca” and condemn and rage against ourselves. We hide it from the world; we refuse to admit ever having met this least among the  lowly in ourselves…” -C.G. Jung

• “Those were the best days of my life”. One day, that phrase stuck out to me as we were traveling. So I asked, the DJ riding shotgun if he already had the “best days”. He laughed and said “I hope not!!” Today is the best days of your life.  Learn embrace it for the beauty it contains, because tomorrow holds only the promise that God will be there. Savor the moments, and seize the opportunities, and hold on tight for one exhilarating ride..

And that’s where I’ll stop…  Look forward to the next 10 years, they go so fast, just like EVERYONE tells you. It really is true! And I’m guessing that can be said about the next 15… And next 20…

Blessings, Kendra

Bonus Pics:

I was in OH at an Amish settlement this week, I overheard this conversation…

VA lady: “You have so many bird feeders! Is that a Baltimore Oriole feeder?”

Amish Lady: ” It is”

VA: “And it’s just sugar water?”

Amish: “Yes, but what the Orioles really like is the grape chelly”

So I’ll admit my brain goes into neutral after I arrive at my destination, but I caught myself thinking “What on earth is ‘chelly’?!” Then I looked- two little containers of grape jelly..  🙂

A souvenir from an OH hailstorm

“..Take me home, country road..”