Advice
Well, another school year has come and gone. And we all know that that means commencement speeches! But let's face it, no one really remembers those. Especially not the graduates. I wrote this letter to a graduating class a couple of years ago and recently came across it this year. I think it does hold some important advice--to me, to graduating seniors, to anyone, really. So here it is, sprinkled in with some of the best advice I've ever been given.
I sometimes wonder why we give advice.
Either we like to hear ourselves talk, or we care enough about someone else to try to help them prevent making a mistake, even if that means putting our own pride aside.
However, I also wonder when the best time to give advice is.
After all, sometimes we give advice when we’re not following it ourselves, and if others know, then we may appear hypocritical. That and simply giving advice at the wrong time, like when someone is at a graduation ceremony, can result in advice not being heard.
Finally, I often wonder what type of advice is the best to be given.
There’s always the tried-and-true cliché advice—brush your teeth, don’t do drugs, call your mom—which can be repeated so much that its meaning falls on deaf ears. Then there’s the person and situation specific advice, which can really backfire if you’ve read the situation wrong.
All of this to say, I am someone who loves giving advice, because I really think God instilled some amount of wisdom in me and gave me enough listening skills to let me know how to really listen to people in order to help them. So I could give you a lot of advice. And maybe I will.
Like, always open the door for your teacher.
Use your and others’ time well. Being on time to class or any event makes you seem punctual, put-together, organized, and like you actually care about the people and event. Being prepared represents loads, as well. A little can go a long way.
Communication really is key. You must learn to communicate, and that starts with listening. If you’re holding a conversation with someone, listen to them before responding. If words are coming out of their mouth, and you are already thinking about what you’re going to say, you are not listening. An exchange of words does not equal a conversation. Listening is more important than talking, but do not only listen. Learn to speak up for yourself and others. Don’t just complain—make requests and act. Share your thoughts and opinions, but stay on topic. Don’t expect someone else to answer for you. Prove to me that you know what you know.
Enjoy life. Really. God calls us to have a full, fulfilled life. Figure out what that looks like for yourself. Try your best. Take breaks. Find joy in the little things. Let not your grades hold your self-worth, but do all to glorify God.
What's some good advice that you've received? Why did it stick? Have you actually followed it?