Time sure flies! Only the summer is left before Logan joins Kristin at Auburn. Just as it did with Kristin, Logan’s leaving brings on a mix of emotions. It brings joy in seeing your child take their next and necessary steps in life. It brings sadness because you are going miss being with them as you are now. And it brings anxiety because you know the world we live in is an imperfect one and you don’t want its influence to overtake them. When Kristin left, I remember wondering if we had done enough to prepare her for her next steps. Three years later, I’m wondering the same thing about Logan. As a parent, you see the day the approaching, but before you know it, it’s here and all you want is to make sure your child is prepared to go and ready to face what’s ahead.

College comes with many challenges. There are the typical ones like time management and difficult classes. But there are other challenges as well, challenges that will test their faith in God. It’s pretty apparent that over time, these challenges have only become more difficult to withstand. Our culture fights against the Word of God at every turn and the reality is that our children will face the challenge of standing strong in the midst of the battle. It’s not that their faith hasn’t been tested before, it’s just that now you are not there to guide them in the same way you once were. As parents, we are now at a point where we have to trust like never before, and pray that our children remain committed to the things they have been taught. Below are some things I want Logan to know, things I hope will encourage him and help him to stand strong as he goes.

1. Be firm in what you believe about God because what you believe is likely to be challenged more than ever before.
2. Never will your temptation to stray from God’s will be greater than over these next years. Your best effort and self determination will not be enough to fight temptation. You must put on the whole armor of God. (Ephesians 6:10-20)
3. Acceptance by our culture is never the basis of truth. The Bible is. If the Bible says it, it’s true. (John 17:17)
4. Remember, self-worth is never based on how the world sees you, but on how the Lord sees you.
5. No matter how difficult the battles may seem, take heart, the war has already been won! (Philippians 2:5-11)
6. With newfound freedom it’s sometimes easy to forget who you are. Remember not only who you are, but also who God created you to be.
7. Influence can be a good thing, but it can also be harmful. God’s Word says there are things to fill your mind with, things to run to and things to run from. Choose wisely. (1 Corinthians 15:33, Philippians 4:8, 2 Timothy 2:22)
8. You were made to worship, both personally and corporately. Make finding a good Bible believing church a priority. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
9. 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. Make time for it!
10. Though I will not always be there to watch over you, take comfort in knowing your Heavenly Father will be. (Psalm 121:4)
11. Prayer will be a powerful weapon for you to carry. Use it daily. (Philippians 4:6-7)
12. Success in college takes discipline. Discipline is also important in your Christian life as well. There is no contradiction between practicing spiritual discipline and God’s grace. (1 Timothy 4:7)
13. Respect all people and be kind to them, but never let anyone tell you a relationship with God comes any other way than through Jesus Christ alone. (John 14:6, Acts 4:12)
14. Always know that as much as I love you, my love pales in comparison to how much your Heavenly Father loves you.
15. Remember, God is faithful. Trust Him, seek Him and love Him. After all, He loved you first.