Tonight is very special as some of my friends have just graduated high school. TO them I would like to say, you did it! YOU DID IT! YOU DID IT!!! WHOOO!!! I am very proud of all of you. High school is a great time and (hopefully) is full of great memories, but there are so many exciting things that will be opening for you in the next few years! So while it is (or maybe not) sad to leave, we must always gain excitement for the things God has planned, and not cling too much to those that have past.

I know that each of you will accomplish great things as you all have not only special abilities, but also good hearts. But one thing I want you to do in life is: take initiative! God is not only behind you but he is with you; He has blessed you with talents and but I believe he does not want us to stand idly by with our arms open waiting for our talents to come to fruition. FYI, there are a lot of situations in adult life where there are no instructions, no one (physically) holding your hand leading you step by step, and no parent discussions or teacher rantings have covered it. Remember in times like this that you ARE able to get through it, you have the means, even if it is hard to see.

We can all take lessons from being artist: God has blessed us with a talent that touches our souls- not a 9-5 job that you leave at an office, but one that every minute becomes opportunity to create. People may make suggestions, but ultimately you have to decide what your art is about, what speaks to your heart.

So another rant from your crazy art teacher, hopefully you see I am just trying to say that an important lesson is to pray for God to give you direction and to take hold of that direction without hesitation. You are going to be successful, and don't get confused with the world's definition of success: find that word in a dictionary written by you. Hopefully that dictionary will help you see if "success" means money, or if it means doing what you enjoy and doing the right thing. Prestige, or being the biggest person to the people you love. I know you always hear it, but really, the Bible would be a good reference for that dictionary you need to write.

Well, I guess I need to let you all get back to the party! Celebrate your accomplishment! HAVE FUN!! And I'll do my best to stay in touch.

Well, I guess I'm out. Last lesson for the art teacher. ( thought I will rant again)
oh, and you no longer HAVE to call me Mrs. E. ^-^

Later,
Ruth



P.S. I will be making some art as Grad gifts, so be watching for it