Wednesday, September 15, 2010

My advice to a new college student

One of my oldest friends has a daughter who just started college. I am mailing her a care package this week, with this letter included.

Happy graduation!
Welcome to college!

When I was 18, you were born, and I remember feeling you kick around in your mom's belly. That's a long time to know someone, and I'll tell you something--all that stuff about youth being wasted on the young and time flying and so on? Well, it's true. It just is. When you hit about mid-20's, life speeds up. Let your life tell a good story. Be aware of every day. "Live with a healthy appreciation of death," Rich Mullins once said. We're not gonna be here forever. What story are you going to tell? Keep your eyes open. Be sure to travel as much as possible. Learn another language and not from a textbook but by getting to know speakers of that language. Be fearless but careful. Turn off technology for thirty minutes (at least) every day and stare at the sky. Or trees. Or rain. Or a face of someone you love. Let generosity and compassion lead you. Be moved by poetry, by beauty. Lady Gaga is awesome but never wear a meat-dress or gun-bra. Read these two books. Both changed me. Eat lots of whole grain, nuts, and veggies. Don't shop at Wal-mart because they are evil-doers. Come visit us in Oregon. It's real purty up here. I love you.

16 comments:

Bridget said...

I LOVE this. I mean I LOVE IT! Can I copy/share (and give you credit)?! It's perfect.

Anonymous said...

I must know now... what two books changed you?

Danni and Tommy said...

What books? Tell me too, please!
I love this. It is perfect.

Gretchen Magruder said...

Oh, you beautifully expressed what I don't know how to communicate to the students in our campus ministry....and what are the books?!

Nicole (wbscNicole) said...

Lori!! beautiful! Great advice for anyone!

LOLZ my word verification is STIFIE

Erica said...

Beautiful. Now I must know the two books. :)

Anonymous said...

Can I sign this and give it to my kids on their 18th birthdays? It really would save me a lot of trouble.
Kerry

msl said...

Love this!

Christine said...

Beautiful! Oh, pleae, Lori, have to know the books, please.....

Evelyn said...

So true! And the books are....?

Julie said...

Oh yeah, we need to know the books!

The Journey said...

Seriously saving this for my kid's 18ths...beautiful. And the 2 books are?

los cazadores said...

Aptly, perfectly, brilliantly given.

Cindy

becca albertson said...

love. this.
i'll join the chorus asking for the book titles.
also, i'm attempting to convince zach to move to oregon after school. i love the south. but i'm done. DONE.
i need to email you for some email therapy.

Rusty Spell said...

I'll answer for you guys since I know the two books that changed Lori's life: Chili Dawgs Always Bark at Night by Lewis Grizzard and How To Solve the Rubix Cube by Karen Peebles.

Terezzz said...

I read your blog here all the time in Philly. This last entry was my favorite! Yes Lady Gaga is awesome, and fearless for wearing that dress!!! That is what I love about her!
Your little one is adorable!