There’s a comedian who, unfortunately, is mostly vulgar and filthy, but thankfully there’s still network TV where there are some rules and censors so he’s at least OK to watch on Leno or Letterman-
He has a little part of his routine that makes me laugh a little bit when he talks about how everyone wants to be remembered- everyone wants to leave their mark- leave a memory- a legacy
And his advice in order to accomplish that is to find a person eating a ice cream cone and run over to them and smash it in their face then yell- “REMEMBER ME!” then run away. Chances are, that person will never forget the guy who smashed his ice cream cone and told him to remember…
Now, I am by NO MEANS condoning that nor am I endorsing it. But it makes me wonder about the things we forget and the things we retain. You’ve sat through hundreds of chapels in your time here at SCHLS, most of them gone from your mind by the time you’re in your next class. It is my prayer you NEVER forget the amazing love Jesus showed us on the cross when he took away all our sins. That you never loose sight of his grace and providence and his promise that he will never leave us nor forsake us never escapes your mind.
SO, having said that—
FRESHMAN-
First year is over- well done!
The excitement of your first year is winding down-
All sorts of firsts
First dance, homecoming, Snow Fest…. Etc…
But now it’s over- I hope you made some mistakes, because it’s in the mistakes you learn. Keep on learning! Keep on having fun! Keep on growing!
Your next year is a hard one, not gonna lie-
The statistics seem to agree that the sophomore year is the toughest-
Don’t forget your wide-eyed enthusiasm that you had in August. The incoming class will have the same optimism and will be just as naive as you were
So be kind, be loving, be patient. The majority of my best friends to this day are from the class below me and I got to know them when I was a sophomore and they were freshmen.
But there’s challenges before you-
You’ll be turning 16- with that great responsibility, great maturity is needed
You might get your drivers license, go on your first date-
I DON’T CARE HOW many “dates” you think you’ve gone on, if you parents need to pick you up or drop you off- it’s NOT a date…
Anyway, remember who died for you, and aim to honor HIM in all your relationships
Physically you’re changing, growing, maturing,
Academically the classes get tougher- no more basic first year stuff, you’re digging in deeper. You have 3 more years left. Make the most of them! Be Smart- Be Wise, Be discerning
Mentor those younger than you, respect those older than you
And above all- LIVE for Christ in all you think, say, and do!
So, Freshman- hear the words of our Lord- keep them on your hearts and mind—make this an “Ice Cream Cone” moment, if you will-
This is my absolute FAVORITE verse in the Bible-
Zep 3:17-
17 The LORD your God is with you,
he is mighty to save.
He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love,
he will rejoice over you with singing."
Sophomores-
Well, the statistical hardest year is over-
You are now an upperclassmen- the end is in sight!
You are in a unique situation- you still have the mentorship of the seniors and the younger classes look up to you. Now is the time to make your mark, to show what you’re made of.
With age comes responsibility- parents more lax on curfew, job schedules being juggled, things like Spring Formal are part of your life.
So, be examples- be wise, be discerning-
Relationships continue to grow and deepen.
The all important task of looking at colleges begins. It can get stressful, confusing, but take heart! The Lord is with you! You’re well rooted in the Living Word and the Living Savior is within you.
Rise to the challenge of tougher classes. Keep on sharpening your skills, follow your heart, and listen to your God!
The word of the Lord you might want to write on your heart- from Isaiah 41:10
So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Juniors!
This is it- your senior year is a few months away!
You’ve put in the time- 3 years of paying your dues, now you’ll be top of the heap. The ones that everyone looks up to- the leaders and pillars of the school! Congrats! But it’s also a year of lasts- last Homecoming, last Snow fest, last game in your respective sorts, last concerts, last Spring Formal, last time eating cafeteria food from Styrofoam plates with sporks.
Remember-
You’re the example! Lead well- lead as Christ- servant leaders
Be smart, be wise, be caring. Be worthy of the respect that the underclassmen give you
You’re planning for the future- your post high-school plans are being made- college, or military, or work- whatever it maybe you have to make some tough decisions’ that won’t be easy and aren’t always fun. Don’t fear, because our Lord is with you! His given you family and friends to support and help you- remember they are just as afraid to see you go as you are TO go, so be patient, be loving
In all things, honor our Savior with your thoughts, words, and actions-
And with that, hear the words that have given comfort for hundreds of generations- the words of the Almighty God
Jer. 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Seniors-
Listen to this amazing verse from Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God
Alright! You’re done! This is it! In a week you’ll be walking down the aisle of the gym with your red gown and tassel graduating class of St. Criox Lutheran High school!
Well done
It has not always been easy- it’s been a marathon, hard, taxing, long, but the Lord has seen you through and you have made it to the finish line, as it were, of your high school life.
Next year for many of you, you’ll be back to the bottom of the heap. The future ahead of you is bright- you’ve been well equipped- not just in math, science, or English, but you’ve been well prepared with the daily preaching and teaching of the Gospel. Everyday you’ve heard how Jesus died and Rose again FOR YOU! You’ve been in an environment that you’ve heard that each and everyday
And now you’re going to a place- regardless of college or career choice- your going to a place where you’re not required to be in the word.
Where there are all sorts of vices and other gods vying for your attention. Even if you’re going to a Christian college- Satan doesn’t see the cross on the sign and stay away, rather he works over time! So be on your guard- be ready and willing to defend your faith which gives you salvation. You’re well prepared- the Word is living and active and his Son is living within you! FIX your eyes on Jesus who gave you your faith. Focus on the Cross- bring all your burdens, cares, and trials to Him. He stands ready pick you up and hold you in His arms. Don’t become too good- to “smart” for the Gospel
Be childlike in faith and adult-like in life- mature, wise
ARE YOU LIVING? You are ALIVE In Christ!! Aim to Honor him in all you think, do, and say!
FIX YOUR EYES on Jesus-
Know that he loves you SO MUCH he died for you. THAT is the truth- THAT will never change!
The best is yet to come- you have many great memories and many great times, but there is much more life to live!
Fix your eyes on Jesus
Faculty and Staff
You have an amazing job, a often thank-less task-
To not only teach and equip these young people in Math, English, Science, but also teaching the Word of God-
Teaching with that Christian Worldview
You daily impact lives. You change lives each and everyday. The students sitting around you right now are forever changed because of you- in a positive way! You model the Christian life- you teach with your actions as well as your words
I know you get discouraged, I know you get down-
But thank you for all you do, thank you for al you give-
Thank you
And as some of you move on to new vocations let me say as someone who has sat in the same classrooms as these kids- let me say THANKS.
So, enjoy your summer- enjoy a little reprieve and it is my prayer you come back next year with all the more vigor and resolve to mold and shape lives with the Gospel of Christ. You impact lives each and every day. Thank you.
Hear the amazing words of our Lord—
1 Corinthians 15:57-58
57But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58Therefore, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
AND SO, My dear redeemed at SCLHS- You are my friends in Christ and you are all in my prayers- I mean that- you are being held up in prayer by an army of people. And the almighty savior who knows the number of hairs on your head is with you- the Lord who died on the cross for all your sins is hugging you close and the creator of the world calls you his children!
Be strong, be wise, know your times are in His hands, and I pray all you think say, and do, would reflect the love Jesus showed us on the cross!
ARE YOU LIVING? You’re alive in Christ!
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