Since Abigail has been homeschooled most of her life, we had a graduation ceremony at our church facility, just as we did for Lydia two years ago. Also like Lydia, the graduation was combined with a senior recital. Unlike Lydia, Abigail joined with one of her kindred spirit friends, Laura Stewart, to have a combined Senior Recital and Graduation Ceremony. They each did separate presentations and also did a scene from Shakespeare's The Tempest together. (It was during rehearsal for this scene some time ago that they really got to know each other.)
Both also had a video presentation featuring pictures from their lives. While a friend helped put Laura's together, Abigail's sister Lydia did hers, and it was very moving and celebrative. Mrs. Lori Lane of Artios Academy of Visual and Performing Arts, which was attended by both girls, shared words of encouragement. Each parent and each child briefly shared in the graduation ceremony as well.
Each of the others did an exceptional job in what they shared! It was a very meaningful time. While I unfortunately do not have the text of what others said, I do have my brief remarks as well as the blessing I gave to Abigail. Here it is:
Abigail Susan Pitts
Abigail is our third and middle child. The two before her were girls, and I was prepared for another—until the doctor began making predictions in the delivery room. “This one is bigger than your other two”—and, indeed, she was a full pound larger than any of the others at birth—“I think we have your linebacker here, Dad!” He began to feed that hope that there would be a boy one of these times, and so I perhaps had a momentary disappointment when the doctor himself exclaimed in surprise, “No, it’s a girl!”
Any momentary disappointment was soon quelled as Abigail quickly won my heart. The name Abigail means “a father’s joy,” and Abigail has certainly proven to be a joy, not only to me, but to all who know her. When she was very young, she slept on a top bunk, and every night she begged me to sleep with her for “one minute” at bedtime. I would climb and crawl over the railing to lay with her, and that minute would seem to go by very slowly. When I would raise my head to start to get out of the bed, Abigail would put her hand on top of head, push it back down, and say, “Just one mo-mo-minute, Daddy.”
While those minutes might have seemed to pass slowly then, they definitely picked up the pace. Those minutes turned into hours, the hours to days, and the days to weeks, months, and years. And so today Abigail stands here as an adult—a young adult, to be sure—but one who is ready to conquer the world. When I graduated from high school, I remember the excitement I had as I considered the adventure of moving to Atlanta to attend Georgia Tech. My mother once asked, “Aren’t you just a little bit sad about leaving?” Sure, there were things I would miss, but how could I be sad about embarking on a new adventure? Now, I have come full circle. Abigail is graduating, still seeking to know exactly what God has for her, and I find myself wanting to say, “Just one mo-mo-minute, Abigail, just one mo-mo-minute.”
Fortunately for us, like our other children, Abigail will in the short term at least still be in the Atlanta area. She has hopes and dreams, but they are still a little nebulous, not yet fully formed in all their specifics. But while you may not yet know all about it, Abigail, here is what God says to you:
11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” [Jeremiah 29]
How can you make sure that you can also hear Him as He reveals His plans? Romans 12.2 says,
2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
Yes, God’s plan for you is good. It is pleasing—both to you and others. And it is perfect. Many don’t find it because they are too enthralled by the world, following its deceitful pattern. You will find it, though, Abigail, when you let God’s thoughts become your thoughts so that your life is truly changed into His image. You will seek Him and you will find Him when you seek Him with all your heart. And I know that is just what you are doing today. We are proud of you, we are thankful for you, and we are praying for you. Come forward today to receive your blessing.
May God bless you, Abigail Susan Pitts!
May you seek Him with all of your heart, and may He reveal His will and direct your paths.
May you continue to live up to your name! May you be a joy not only to your earthly father but, more importantly, to your heavenly Father!
Just as the Abigail mentioned in the Bible is described as a “beautiful and intelligent woman,” one who rescued her family by her quick thinking and gracious manner, may you also be known for your beautiful manner and your godly wisdom. May you beauty come first and foremost from within, as we continue to see Jesus shine through your life; may your wisdom come from close fellowship with the Holy Spirit and by a thorough knowledge of His word.
May God grant you success and prosperity in all that your hands find to do.
May God bless you, Abigail Susan Pitts!
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That's it! BTW, if you want to see some pictures of the event, click on the TITLE of this POST and you will be taken to a Snapfish page with some pictures by a good friend, Nelda Coats. (You will have to register as a Snapfish user, just as you do on many other sites.)
Thanks, and God bless!
