Chuck Swindoll

Go ahead…tell me what's eating away at you,” I urged. “Well, I don't know how I should say these things, Chuck. But I can't just ignore them either. The fact is, I'm concerned.

Who hasn't felt him or herself standing on tiptoe, straining to see what lies ahead? Every generation has had its share of individuals who believed they had the supernatural gift of foretelling the future.

I want to pass along some thoughts by way of four simple reminders. Let's call them “commandments,” which apply to anyone graduating—as well as to those of us who graduated years ago.

I'm tired. The days away were well-spent but exhausting. I am glad I made the trip, but I'm even happier to be coming home. There's nothing like a few days away to remind me how much I love being home.

One of the toughest assignments in life is to communicate clearly what happened during a time when emotions were high.

Slice it any way you wish; ignorance is not bliss. Dress it in whatever garb you please; ignorance is not attractive. Neither is it the mark of humility nor the path to spirituality. It certainly is not the companion of wisdom.

Now, before you call me “Scrooge,” I suggest you return to the first century and meet a disciple of Christ who fit this category.

During this holiday season, let's pledge not to let ingratitude become our creed or cynicism our stumbling block.

Prophets like Isaiah were not rookies who carried out hit-or-miss pre-game chapel programs for a few teams in Judah. No, they were the real deal, sent and anointed by God to be trusted and revered.

Don't sweat the small stuff—in fact, the big stuff isn't worth the sweat either.