This week's post is a letter to my sweet daughter, Autumn, who is now a high school graduate of the Class of 2013 - Hip Hip Hooray! The photos are from Autumn's personal collection of vintage postcards she's been collecting since she was ten years old.
Congratulations Autumn, you are now a high school graduate! You are fueled up and have all the resources you need to go wherever the road takes you – oh, the places you’ll go!
This is an exciting time in your life and God has mapped out an exciting course with YOU in mind. He knows the people you’ll meet along the way, the baggage you will carry, and the seasoned traveler you will become when your journey is complete. "...all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." Psalm 139:16b 
As a fellow traveler myself, I advise you to take the time to plan for a successful trip, full of excitement and loaded with adventure - please don't leave such an important trip to chance. "Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3
Tune your car radio to listen to God's voice as He guides and directs you. Be confident that as long as you follow your road map, (God’s never-changing Word), you will always stay on the correct course. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path." Psalm 119:105 
As with any journey, be aware that the roads may not all be perfectly paved or take you where you need to go. There may be foul weather, car trouble, road blocks and detours along your route. Don’t panic, stay your course and keep both hands on the wheel! “Trust in The Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Autumn, don't be fooled when some try to give you wrong directions while you’re out on the road alone and away from home; be street smart and be careful little heart whom to trust. "Folly delights a man who lacks judgement, but a man of understanding keeps a straight course." Proverbs 15:21. 
Don't rush through the trip Autumn, but try to appreciate every part of the journey. Don't be too afraid when you find yourself in the midst of challenging obstacles - believe it or not, those experiences will help you become a better driver. Most importantly, don't ever be tempted to park the car and give up; keep on driving, keep pressing on toward the goal. "Consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:2-5
You may not believe this, but there is no such thing as a perfect driver (gasp!), for everyone makes mistakes every now and again. This is where the tow truck of grace, mercy and redemption come to the rescue. Remember, if you ever lose your way, make a wrong turn or find yourself off-course, forgiveness is yours for the asking and U-turns are always acceptable. Never be too proud or too foolish to remain lost - ask for directions! "Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, 'I will confess my transgressions to the Lord' - and you forgave the guilt of my sin." Psalm 32:5Take the scenic route Autumn, and drive in the slow lane every now and then so you won't miss a thing. Laugh a lot, eat well, get out and stretch when you need to. Take lots of pictures, make wonderful memories and pick up some great souvenirs along the way. Oh, and don’t forget to call home from time to time so we can enjoy the journey with you!
Autumn, it has been an incredible blessing to be your personal "Drivers Education Instructor" these past seventeen years. I pray that you will be successful wherever you choose to go and that your journey will lead you to incandescent contentment, peace and joy. With a heart full of gratitude and love, Mom
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