Letter to the Editor - June 3
To our beloved Marlin High School 2020 Graduates,
I know it feels like it’s taking forever to get to this point in your life, and you feel invincible, but you can’t stop here! Please take a moment to breathe and refocus towards the next level of your magnificent journey. I promise you it will be well worth it.
I know you’re excited to leave high school and you may even think you’re all grown up and ready to embark on new adventures such as college; a new job; or maybe like I was; just looking for freedom from your parents. Whatever it maybe, the truth is it can be a bit terrifying because you have no idea what to expect from the future. You see, this is the pattern of life that never ends. We expect, hope, and dream. We may fear what the future may hold, but remember to always reach back to mom, dad or even both for advice when time seem to stand still. Life can be uncertain, you might not get into that college you applied to, and even if you do, it may not be everything you’ve ever dreamed it would be.
You might not land that job you thought was easily yours. Maybe the one you do get will take you to places you only dreamed of going. You might marry your high school love or you might be single for quite a while. That’s okay. It’s good to first learn about who you are and where you come from, and to be comfortable with who you are without somebody else. You are descendants of many “Kings and Queens.” You might not follow the path or timing of everyone else, and that’s okay too. After all, a late bloomer gets to enjoy days of longer sunshine and warmer weather. Life is exciting, daunting, and confusing. There is so much to learn and so many new people to connect with. I advise you to choose your friends wisely, as they can help determine the course of your future.
Hard work can bring you purpose and joy, learn to share what is learned because it can be a source of fulfillment within the circle of life. Like I have told my own children, the number one thing I want you to remember is to never give up on faith or hope, and always journey with God, with him all things can be great and greater. Once God is within you, his love lasts forever it is rooted in eternity, and nothing in this world can take it away from you.
“Remember your Creator in the days of your new journey...”
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 (Jeremiah 29:11). Remember your Creator as you head off to college and your professors challenge your faith. Remember that God is always faithful (1 Corinthians 1:9). Remember that you are never alone, so be strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6). Remember that you are dearly loved (Jeremiah 31:3). Remember that greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Remember that your past does not determine your future, because you are a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Remember that our God is a God of grace... and second chances (Hebrews 4:16).
Best Regards & Love,
Hon. Cedric W. Davis Sr., City Manager Marlin, Texas