[speech given to Josiah Williams on his graduation day]
On your graduation day, I have an acrostic of your name that I would like to share with you:
J ust — You treat people fairly. As most of you know, we have 9 people in our home. 9 different personalities, 9 different views on life, 9 different opinions and a gazillion opportunities for conflict. Josiah is one who wants to do the right thing. If one of his younger siblings is not being treated fairly, you are quick to jump to their aid. This is a great quality. People will see that and trust you.
O ptimistic — You are optimistic. You are always thinking the best–about yourself, about others and about life. Each year you and I would sit down and think through what your goals for the year might be. I recall last year, we talked about you stretching yourself by seeking out areas to exercise leadership. You embraced that fully. Whether it was informal leadership in athletics or school, or formal leadership by serving on the leadership council at Raccoon River Bible Camp, the Games Director at AWANA or running for offices at Boys State. Your optimism and “can do” attitude will serve you well.
S tudent — Josiah . You ask the question, “how can I improve”, I think I saw this most clearly in this last year. Your senior year, you decided to go out for Basketball for the first time in high school. You were basically a freshman in a senior’s body. You started the season by missing the first weeks of practice because of illness and a cutting off the tip of your finger. But you kept at it. You suited JV, but got very little playing time. But you didn’t give up. You kept asking the coach, “How can I improve?” That shows a student and a learners heart. By the end of the year, you became the 6th man in the JV rotation and earned a varsity suit. Keep your learner’s hear. Stay a student of life.
I ntegrity — Do the right thing, no matter the outcome. Josiah, you have shown integrity repeatedly through your years. I recall when you were out for track as an under classman running with Juniors and Seniors. Coach would give you a route to run. After the squad was out of ear-shot from the coach, one of the upper classman would say, “hey, let’s take this shortcut” and you would say “No” I’m running this route. At that point, the upper classman had to make a choice–is he going to follow you or cheat on the route. That is leadership by example. That is integrity. Proverbs says “A good name is to be more treasured than great riches.” Josiah, hold on to your integrity no matter what.
A ction — You are a man of action. You do not procrastinate. When something is on your list, you do it immediately. When someone asks you to do something, it will be done. In our home, one of the ways we do our homeschool is for each child to have a list of their tasks for the day. Through the years, Karen could always count on Josiah to complete his list fully and completely. Keep your “Do it now” attitude. This is an awesome quality that will carry you far in college and in life.
H eart for Jesus — Josiah, you trusted Christ at a young age. It has been awesome for your mom and I to see your faith grow each year. As a youngster, asking questions about the Bible stories we would read at night. In Jr. High, starting to have regular quiet times. In high school, choosing to be baptized, serving in mssions tris, attending Challenge, counseling at camp. All those things show a heart for Jesus.
What is most thrilling for me, is not the things that you do, but the time that you spend daily in God’s word. When I walk into the living room nearly every morning and see you Scripture open on your lap and you diligently reading or memorizing. Or just a weeks ago, coming in and watching you share with Tiffany how you and Preston study the Bible together. You are passing on what God has granted you. That is what fills my heart with joy. Keep your heart for Jesus. Listen to his Spirit. Obey his word. Follow His leading. He will be faithful.
Just, Optimistic, Student, Integrity, Action, Heart for Jesus–keep growing these qualities. I would like to leave you with a verse from Psalm 127. Solomon said, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain.” Lean on the Lord in all you do. And God will be there for you throughout your life.
With Love,
Dad