In 2015, Mason, my third grandson, graduated high school and began preparations to attend a university later that same year. I thought about his ‘mostly’ sheltered life up to that point—Christian family, private Christian school for grades 1-8, and primarily Christian friends. Then, I began to envision the very different environment he would soon be entering (statistics show we lose so many of our young people when they enter college). Other than prayer, what tangible thing could I do to make this transition easier and help Mason keep his focus on God’s plan for his life?
A plan evolved that included separately wrapping 30 small gifts—one for each day of the first month he would be away. The gifts were numbered and packed in a large box so that Gift #1 was on top. His instructions were to open one gift each day either at the beginning of the day or at the end of the day. These were to remind him that his family loved him and were praying for him and also that God loved him. Inside each gift were two small cards, each with a Bible verse (or verses) on one side and on the other side a short prayer. There was a note on the outside of the entire package which gave the following instructions:
Mason,
There are 30 packages in this box, one for each day of your first month in college. These packages are numbered, and I want you to open them in numerical order. At the bottom of each package are two cards. The rule is that you read both cards, Bible verse first and then the prayer on the back, BEFORE you enjoy the treats inside (ha, ha)!!!
I hope you enjoy these little surprises. God loves you, we love you, and we know you are going to do really well in this next chapter of your life.
Below are some scripture and prayer examples:
Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you;
He will never let the righteous be shaken.
(Psalm 55:22)
Oh God, let my trust be in you.
Let me never give in to discouragement.
(Prayer)
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.
(Proverbs 3:6)
Father, help me to put you first in my life today and always,
and let me walk the path You have for me.
(Prayer)
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
(Isaiah 41:10)
Help me overcome my fears by filling my mind with positive thoughts and my life with positive actions. Thank You for always being with me to give me the strength and wisdom I need
to make wise decisions and to overcome the challenges of each day.
(Prayer)
I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with
(Ephesians 3:16)
Oh God, let my heart be flooded with light so that I will grow in my knowledge of You
and better understand the greatness of Your almighty power.
(Prayer)
These cards can be purchased or handwritten, and the gifts do not need to be expensive. For instance, one day for Mason was two of the protein bars he likes. Another day was a package of microwave kettle corn. One day we put in a package of Puffs (a baby food snack that his little niece Summer was always trying to feed him), thinking the memory would brighten his day. On some days, the gift was enough to share with a friend or roommate. When we ran out of ideas, we repeated some of his favorite things. Everyone said that Mason would open the gifts all at one time, but he actually opened one each day for 30 days. In fact, when his Mom went to
Mason has now completed his second year of college. He still has the cards, he still attends church, and God even provided a Christian roommate this past year.
This fall, my granddaughter Camille will also leave home and go away to a university in Illinois. I plan to do the same thing for her, selecting the scriptures and prayers as God leads. Will these cards help my two grandchildren stay on God’s path? Only God knows, but He tells us in Isaiah 55:11:
So is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.