Finally, [my beautiful grandchildren], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in [your grandparents]—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Philippians 4:8-9

So here we are in the middle of August and three of our four grandchildren are back in school. The Orlando Three started Tuesday. For our Michigan crew – Mr. T. and his parents (Andrew and Alicia are both school teachers) – class is in session August 24.

There is so much I want to say, and it is from my heart. But maybe I should begin with the most important, a promise David, Beks, Geoffrey and Mr. T. can all count on: “You are going to be okay.”

Because here’s the thing. Each one of you has a most exquisite brain and has been gifted by God with an incredible natural facility for learning. Grades and test scores and state standards are all very well – but much more important is your innate curiosity, your creative spirit and your fertile mind. You have been equipped with the very best so do not doubt for a minute that you will learn. Learning is in your nature and I want you to simply enjoy it.

DAVID: You are beginning your high school adventure. I don’t know that I have ever known a teenager with a better head on his shoulders and a more beautiful heart. Please listen to your heart. Listen to the words from the Philippians 4:8-9 scripture I quoted, and especially focus on the ideas of truth, excellence and goodness. High school works best when you have the courage of your convictions, and I want you to set your sights on Jesus – God will always give you the strength you need.

BEKS: 8th Grade! You are such a gift to this world! You have the opportunity to finish up middle school with everything you need for high school next year. Your music, your brilliant mind, your sweet and grace-filled spirit. The words from Philippians advise you to concentrate on what is excellent and praiseworthy – and the other part of that is to put into practice not just the cello but whatever you have learned and received or heard from your grandmama Rebekah. If you’re not sure what that is, just call her!

GEOFFREY: Kindergarten this year will be the best ever! I love love love your sense of humor, your obvious smarts and your heart that is so full of caring for others. I am telling your cousin this from the Bible too – I want you to do your best to be noble at school and at home. But most of all I pray this phrase, this promise for you – “The God of peace will be with you.” I pray every day that God’s peace will fill your gentle and generous heart so much that it will spill out and get all over everyone else.

MR T.: Entering 2nd grade in your Michigan elementary school is a huge deal. This is the year you get to grow in so many ways and you will learn so much more than you ever imagined. God has given you such an enthusiastic, inventive and creative mind – and you are going to soar like an eagle (or a Great Lakes Loon)! My word for you from this scripture is “whatever is noble!” Noble means high moral character and greatness of mind. In other words, be like Jesus – who was compassionate, who was always asking great questions and who made other people feel special.

We Love You so Much!

Grandmama and I love you all so much, and we know – we KNOW – that you have everything you need to make this a great year.

But we also know that God is willing to be part of your journey too, and that Jesus will walk with you every day. Just remember the fact that you are not alone and know that – regardless – you are going to be okay. You will learn and grow and bring this world much needed joy and love.

With love, and because of love , your ever-loving granddaddy – DEREK