Dear College Grad,

Congratulations! You did it!

Through the sleepless nights, early 8:00 a.m. classes, cups of coffee, exams, and research papers, you made it here. In the midst of all your uncertainties, you’ve learned to trust that God’s got you. He held you in the palm of His hands when you chose your major, when you took on that internship, when you took that risk, and when your path so wonderfully crossed with those you call your friends. And His overwhelming grace held you in His hands when you felt you failed, when you couldn’t be in control of the situation, and when you learned to let things go.

It’s crazy to look back and see just how far you’ve come. As you walk across that stage, smile and know that every moment over the past couple of years has led you to who you are today. May you find His love and joy as you celebrate with your family and friends. And as you look ahead for all that’s to come, would you continue to trust that God is holding you in His hands.

He is there as you begin the application process and when you walk into those interviews. He is there as you continue the journey in your graduate program. He is there in the waiting and He’ll be there to open the door that was meant to open just for you. He is there when He calls you to make the big move and He is also there when He asks you stay exactly where He has you.

And somewhere along the way when the unknown and the uncertainties of the future begin to consume your thoughts, trust that He sees you, He knows you, and He’ll provide all that you need as you lean into this new season - even if it doesn’t look like what you had expected things to be. For Psalm 139:16 says to us, “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.”

When everyone else seems to be getting their life together and you feel as though you have yet to reach a certain milestone, remember you are so much more than the milestones you want to achieve. God is molding you, teaching you, and shaping you into the person that He’s called you to be. When you fall short of the expectations that you set for yourself, know that His grace is a gift given to you (Ephesians 2:8).

This new season can both exciting and daunting all at the same time. But my friend, I pray you continue to cling onto the promises your Heavenly Father promised to you. Press into His word when things get hard. Praise Him while you wait. Rejoice in His name. Be confident in that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6).

Cheering you on,

Dena

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dena is a storyteller, artist, dreamer, doer, and follower of Jesus Christ. Week by week, you’ll find her bringing new ideas to life in the marketing world, preparing and teaching a small group Bible study, and scribbling down her thoughts and new ideas in a cafe. She loves writing, traveling, poetry, photography, and connecting with people beyond the small talk.