When Jack Brown’s son Adam graduated from high school, Jack wrote down the most important things his son needed to know as he started college and stepped into life’s next chapter.
This going-away present contained 511 reminders about how to live a happy and rewarding life. The collection of wisdom evolved into Life’s Little Instruction Book (Vol. 1), which sold more than 10 million copies and stayed at the top of The New York Times’ bestseller list for two years. Volumes 2 and 3 continue to make great graduation gifts and impact young lives.
One year, at my church, our senior adults made an impact on young lives as the church recognized our graduates. Our student ministry hosted a nice lunch after Sunday morning worship, during which our youth served the meal and sat with senior adults at each table. They then asked questions that helped start many discussions.
Questions included things like, “What was your favorite childhood memory?” and “How much was Coke when you were a teenager?”
The last question was, “What important lesson for life would you share?” and we got an earful of great counsel from folks who had been around the block a few times:
• Remember who you are and who you are. You are God’s creation, and you belong to Him.
• Stay close to God through Bible study, prayer, weekly worship, and small-group Bible study. Be intentional and disciplined in your spiritual life.
• If you lie down with dogs, you’ll get up with fleas! Choose your friends wisely.
• Always follow directions. They may save your life!
• Never, ever text and drive. Hands off your phone when behind the wheel.
• Respect and appreciate your parents. They won’t be around forever; you will miss them once they’re gone.
• Take time to enjoy each day.
• Try to slow down instead of living life so fast.
• Treat others as you’d like to be treated.
• Put God first in every part of your life, daily.
• Do valuable something every day.
• Be responsible and follow through on what you say you will do.
• Develop patience and always do the right thing.
• Strive to honor God in everything you do.
• Tell the truth – always!
• Don’t associate with anybody you can’t bring home with you.
• Begin tithing now on whatever your paycheck is.
• Always draw your confidence from God and rely on Him entirely.
• Stay away from drugs and alcohol.
• Everybody needs a touch of kindness.
• Every age group needs a smile and a word of greeting.
• Learn to say, “You’re welcome” instead of “No problem.”
• What goes around comes around. We reap what we sow.
• Listen more than you speak. You may learn something.
• Laugh often; it’s good for you!
• Don’t sweat the small stuff. Most of what we “sweat” is small stuff!
• Build your life on God’s Word. The Bible, “a lamp for my feet and a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105), is life’s best instruction book.
• Always give your best and do your best.