Inspiration, Dilligence, and a new beginning...

This weekend (More than year ago, I had this in my drafts and never published it) marked one of the major events in  my life.
My youngest daughter graduated high school. I'm proud of her. We made it through this stage with many arguments and semi-discussions about the necessity of study and homework and all that goes with graduating high school. The next step may be a little tougher...
Isn't that the way life is? We get through one thing that we think was pretty hard only to embrace the next thing that turns out to be a little harder. I suppose there aren't any promises about things getting easier. The bright spot in this is as we mature and increase in knowledge our ability to face these challenges becomes better equipped. We make it through one thing that builds our confidence in being able to face the next challenge. I understand not all of our challenges are the same and some challenges make us wonder how any human could get through them but the overall picture is one that re-enforces the grit of humanity. We may not be on the same side of the fence politically or financially or any other number of areas but our grit to endure is a common thread.
As my youngest turns a page in her life so do her parents. We haven't embraced the idea of her moving away to go to college in a comfortable fashion. I keep looking for reassurance that she can handle situations without me while still wanting her to depend on me to lead guide and protect her through those tough times. SO I'm stuck in the middle of wanting her to become the young women she needs to be to fulfill her purpose and yet remain my little girl with the dimples and freckles who latches onto her dad at the first sign of discomfort. So this becomes a challenge to my dear daughter..
Rise above all your challenges dear. I will be a phone call or a short drive away from any assurance you need that everything will be alright. Be inspired to greatness no matter what path you've chosen. Keep your focus on God and the purpose he placed on your life. The greatest thing you can do in life is love. Your career path should be doing the things you enjoy doing so work never becomes work. When decisions about careers seem to rise up like monsters I want you to keep Psalms chapter 1 and Jeremiah 29:11 close to your heart. No matter what you choose to do God will bless you in it if your heart is right, He set your feet on a path to be successful, prosperous, healthy, and have joy no matter what you do. The key dear is to keep your eyes on Him and see Him in everything. Be inspired. Be diligent. Welcome to your new beginning!
This is a big year for me. My wife and I may become empty nesters soon, see the commentary above. Our eldest daughter is getting married in the fall. Again, another new beginning. We are excited for her and her future husband. Together they compliment each other in all the right ways. I am pleased in the attention he gives her. He is the center of her attention. To both of you I would offer this bit of dad's wisdom. There will be times you may wonder if all of this was a mistake. I can assure it was no mistake. You both have loving hearts, look around you at the number of friends you have that do so much for you. There was a lot more I was going to say here but one year later I have to say things are as good as I expected them to be for both of you. I can also say I love both of you very much and look forward to both of you enhancing your family over the years. I still have lots of things and experiences to share but we'll do that as we journey. Isn't life wonderful!
To my youngest it has been a year away from home and at school. I hope it is everything you thought it would be. I know you have had a few rough spots but you came through like the champion you are and I am extremely proud of you. You have maintained honor, integrity, and vision that I hope will stay with you for the rest of your life. I look forward to all of your visits and the new choices you get to make. Always remember I am your second largest fan behind God Himself.
I am thinking about a few fly fishing trips to northern New Mexico and hope all three of you can find the enthusiasm and interest to join me for an adventure. You are always welcome...
All my Love, Dad