A week from today, Kristin will officially be a high school graduate. One more summer is all that’s left before she goes off to college to begin a new chapter in her life. She has been a wonderful child and I know her time in college will be a great experience. Like most parents, I could see this day coming, but as it approaches, there are so many things running through my mind that I want her to know. Naturally, I want her to know how much Karen, Logan and I love her, how proud we are of her, and how much we will miss her being away from us. I’m sure as a parent, you share the same feelings about your graduate. As we get ready to let them go, I believe it’s normal to ask if we’ve done enough to prepare them. What more can be said that will serve to make this part of their lives as fruitful as it can be? I’m sure in all the advice I’ve given, I’ve left something out. I’m equally sure that Kristin had rather me keep some of it to myself, but there are a few more things I need to tell her. I would love to tell her that a college experience comes without any challenges. Sure, we know the typical challenges of time management, difficult classes and the usual distractions a college student faces. They’re a given. But there are other challenges as well, challenges that will test her faith in God. This is the purpose for the list below. Spiritual challenges are the most important challenges that Kristin needs to be prepared for. All of our children will face these same challenges. It’s not that their faith hasn’t been tested before,  it’s just that now, as a Christian parent you are not there to guide them as you have been. As parents, we are now at a point where we have to trust like never before and pray that they remain committed to the things they’ve been taught. With that said, here’s my list of things I’ve been thinking about and want Kristin to know. Maybe you want to share it with your graduate as well. 

1. Be firm in what you believe about God because what you believe is likely to be challenged more than it has ever been before. 
2. With newfound freedom sometimes it’s easy to forget who you are. Remember not only who you are, but also who God created you to be.  
3. Influence can be a good thing, but it can also be harmful. God’s Word says there are things to run to and things to run from. Choose wisely. 
4. You were made to worship, both personally and corporately. Make finding a good Bible believing church a priority.  
5. Never will your temptation to stray from God’s will be greater than over these next years. 
6. It will take more than your best effort and self determination to fight against temptation. It will take the power of the Holy Spirit in you.  
7. Of all the books you read and study in college, the book that needs your greatest attention each day is the one written by God.  
8. Though I will not always be there to watch over you, your heavenly Father will be (Psalm 121:4). 
9. Prayer will be a powerful weapon for you to carry. Use it daily.   
10. Respect all people and be kind to them, but never let anyone tell you that a relationship with God comes any other way than through Jesus Christ alone (John 14:6). 
11. As much as I love you, it pales in comparison to how much your heavenly Father loves you.
12. Remember that God is faithful. Trust Him, seek Him and love Him. After all, He loved you first.