Saying Goodbye - Graduation Gifts

It's that time of year when young people in both college and high school are graduating. As people who work with young people on a regular basis, we have spent a lot of time mentoring and loving these students and developing long-lasting relationships with them. As we began to say our goodbyes and wish them well on to the next stage of their life, we often think about getting them the gift to help them remember their time with us. But too often we choose cheesy things that don't properly express the magnitude of the life-changing experiences that we have had with the students over the years.

I am not a very good gift giver (just ask my wife). There are certain people who are gifted with the gene or some 6th sence whereby they know exactly the type of gift to get someone. Well, I'm sorry to report, I just simply don't have it and so it frustrates me at this time of year when I want to acknowledge the relationship that I have built up with these young people that I've worked with and the magnitude of what they have meant in my life. I have caught myself in Christian bookstores looking at picture frames with Scriptures on it or bookends or other trinkets that in a matter of years will mean absolutely nothing to these young people. And so I go to the person who is a Zen master at gift giving, my wife and beg and plead for her help.

The one thing she has taught me over the years is this-be authentic. Find a gift that expresses the authentic relationship that you have between you and the other person. It doesn't have to cost a lot nor does it have to be the latest and greatest thing that's out that everyone else is getting. When I think back to my own graduation, a friend of the family bought me an NIV study Bible when I graduated high school. This many years later I still have that Bible and use it for my daily devotions. I guess he saw something in me that he knew that I would need a good study Bible. And he was right! That study Bible has gotten me through many a good sermon, devotion and Bible study over the years.

So as you say goodbye to your seniors whether they be in high school or college be authentic with them. Express the emotions that you were feeling. And try to finding gift that they will remember 15 to 20 years from now that they might be able to share with others.