A Mother's Advice to a Son Leaving for College

 To my Eighteen-Year-Old Son Leaving for College

(All the advices I tried to give you before you left, or remembered after you left, or really, really hoped I had taught you in your first 18 years of life.)

Face life with a smile--

and a Bug Blaster Salt Gun (like the one Rose's friends gave her for her birthday!)

Take showers regularly. And use deodorant. Please.

Wash your laundry once a week.

Iron any wrinkly shirts.

Put away your laundry.

Do the dishes for the cook at least once a week. Grill something yourself every once in a while and give the cook a break.

You aren't going to be home anymore where your mother alerts you to risky, dangerous, or questionable situations. Instead, you will sometimes be around youngsters or other college kids who will dare, double dare, lure, and antagonize. Learn to recognize signs of danger yourself, and respond to them with wisdom rather than trying to prove yourself macho. (And for pity's sake, don't be the smartypants yourself!)

Wash your truck every once in a while, and clean the inside of your truck at least once a month. (Maybe your boy cousins will help you since they are likely to help ride in your truck sometimes.)

Unless, of course, you end up using a horse and buggy like what trots along outside your uncle's home every day. 

Begin college assignments immediately, and then pace yourself. Try to have your assignments done a day early rather than staying up until midnight the day before the paper is due. Just don't have late papers. Ever.

Do all your assignments. That means all of them.

Spend quiet time every day with God. Sometimes a meaningful, personal two minutes by a window with God will mean more to you than an hour with your head buried in the recliner--asleep! (And no, you probably won't hear this practical advice at Bible college, but no, I am not a heretic. And yes, you will know when you need more time than that, and that will surely be often.)

Learn from your mistakes. You are going to make some. Just don't let them define you.

Be courteous. Hold the door for the ladies, treat your teachers with respect, be ready to pray at a moment's notice (speaking clearly so others can join in the prayer), be kind to children.

Attend church every Sunday and be an active participant.

Get enough sleep. 

I repeat. Get enough sleep.

In between college studies, find something to do  that will benefit others. 

Don't bail out all your friends who spend their money on soft drinks, donuts, and Starbucks. But do be generous with real needs.

If all you have is a little money, share some. You can't outgive God.