Letter to my Niece at Confirmation

In this season of graduations, confirmations, proms, weddings and other milestones in many peoples lives I offer this as a reflection. I am attending my niece's confirmation tomorrow and I tried to decide what to get her as a gift, not jewelry, not a bible (I believe the church will present her with one), not anything big because it's not a graduation.....aahhh, I had an idea. I found a book of sayings by Mother Theresa on prayer - "It all begins with prayer" a travel journal (she is going to England and Wales in a few weeks) and than a blank journal - in which I wrote the following: "You are not done. Confirmation is not graduation. In fact - you've only just begun. Your Mom and Dad have done a wonderful job raising you and will, I imagine, will continue to do so. Confirmation is the taking on the responsibility for your own spiritual life and you are not done, and God is not done. Look at the vows of Baptism; Do you renounce Satan and all the spiritual forces of wickedness that rebel against God?, the evil powers of this world which corrupt and destroy the creatures of God?, all sinful desires that draw you from the love the God? Do you turn to Jesus Christ and accept him as your Savior?, Put your whole trust in his grace and love?, Promise to follow and obey him as your Lord? All these were said for your - I was there and vowed to do these things for you. Today June 3, 2012 you have chosen to take on this mantel of responsibility for yourself. In doing so you are, in my opinion, taking the first step into adulthood. But it is only the first step not the last. In today's covenant: Will you continue in the apostles teaching and fellowship in the breaking of bread and in the prayers? The operative word is Continue Life is a perpetual journey, physical life, mental life and spiritual life. You will continue growing physically, mentally, as you finish school and college (should you choose)and spirituality as you learn, question and grow. There will be lulls, times of seemingly no growth and that's okay. All living things have a period of dormancy: trees, flowers, birds, bears. It is in these quiet times in life that the most growth happens: roots go deeper, bears give birth, flowers gather strength to bloom again. the body and mind is resting to burst forth with renewed vibrancy and vigor, it is part of the circle of life. But I will challenge you, even in those seemingly dormant times; where ever you are, whatever you do, seek and find a church to attend. finding one that fits your schedule and "where" you are spiritually (just not a "hate preaching" church please) Because that is also a part of that covenant, to continue in fellowship and in the breaking of bread. Ask questions, but I will warn you, the answers (if there are any)will lead to more questions. Even if there are no answers you will grow and learn and that really is the point of life. The rest of these pages are blank: they are to be filled in by you- for it is now your story. Aunt Deb"