Homefolks U.S.A.
Hi folks,
Twenty-seven years ago, it was my pleasure to attend a graduation ceremony from a University in Tennessee. The remarks that were said made a lasting impression on me. I have thought about these many times through the years, and I would like to share these with readers of Homefolks U.S.A. in this week’s story.
The speaker was the president of the University, and all of his remarks were short, but he made his points very clear.
He began by thanking the parents for allowing their sons and daughters to attend the university, and he emphasized that he hoped that the University had not failed the parents in anyway.
He told the students he hoped and prayed they had acquired knowledge that could be used to make the world a better place to live. “We have many dreams for each of you; please make our dreams come true.”
He asked that they maintain a Christian home and be people of compassion. He used Jesus as an example. “Be a good example of Jesus Christ in everything that you say and do … Do what is good and right, and this school will always be backing you.”
He also told them to “please keep in touch with us and let us know of the progress that you are making” and “try your very best to maintain a positive attitude in your life because this will make a great impact on those you come in contact with.” Several times his voice broke a little when he spoke. You could tell he was sincere, and he wanted only the best for each of his students. “Be a good influence, and great things will surely happen,” he told them.
He closed his speech with these words. “Please keep in touch, and remember always that we will leave the light on for you.”
He was brief in his remarks, and he made each word count.
It makes me think of other great speeches that were made in the past, such as the Gettysburg Address, which contained only 226 words; the Lord’s Prayer, with only 56 words; the beautiful 23rd Psalm, one of the most beautiful psalms in the Bible, only 118 words; or the Ten Commandments with 297 words.
And then you have the government agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, giving the order on the price of cabbage, which contains 15,629 words. What a ridiculous lot of wasted words.
What is your thought?
Til next time,
Your friend,
Bobby
Thought for the Day
“We are all travelers. From birth to death we travel between the Eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet and a joy to those who know and love you best.” —“The Stranger Within Our Gates”
