Celebrating Dalton

It’s so pretty outside today.  Colors of pink, purple, and yellow cover the landscape, sparkling under the gaze of the bright sunshine. Mt Rainier is showing off her collection of winter snow causing bicyclist, walkers, or motorist to turn and take a second look.  Pilots in small planes have taken off the afternoon to enjoy the view from their favorite spots. Gardeners enjoy the feeling of the warm dirt. Hearts are lighter as the month of May begins with warm, sunny days bringing hope that winter has finally passed.   

The month of May finds young people looking for the perfect dress or outfit to wear to senior prom.  Seniors are winding down their high school days and looking forward to graduation. For the 5^th time I get the privilege of celebrating high school graduation with one of my grandchildren. 

This year of 2013 is Dalton’s year.  Our family is excited to celebrate and pay tribute to this fine young man.  His mom has been going through hundreds of pictures to find just the right ones to tell the story of Dalton’s life.  Meghan is waiting with all the supplies to scrapbook this incredible story.  The days of festivity are on the calendar. Valerie has made the Graduation Announcements and I’m updating addresses so we can let everyone know the dates and times to pay tribute to a young man for which we are very proud.

For years Dalton has known what his profession would be.  He feels this is God’s will for his life; therefore, he has been preparing himself all during his high school career.  His pathway will be different from my other graduating grandchildren; that is, he will be going straight into his calling and then getting his education. In the fall he will become an active team member of the United States Marines. The unknowns of this career make sending him out a little tough but knowing the One who has called him and will be with him helps me relax and commit him to His Heavenly Father’s care.

I have no reservations that Dalton’s not on the right track.  Watching him play as a child, seeing his love for the military as a teen, and observing his heart to follow God’s will has prepared me for this time.   I stand on God’s promises for him: “For He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.”  Proverbs 2:8

I’m enjoying these beautiful days and times spent outside with family. I’m also enjoying the anticipation of a grandchild’s graduation and celebrations. I spend time daily praying for this newest generation leaving the “nest” and believing God is going to use Dalton to make a difference for God’s Kingdom. My words to this precious grandson is “Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything.  Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on tract.” (Proverbs 3:5 The Message)