High School

 My Dearest Son,

Today was a monumental day! The start of a whole new chapter. The culminations of years of preparation, dedication, hard work, and growth. High school. Ninth grade at Klahowya Secondary School. Although it may seem trivial to you, as you did enter through the same doors at the same time as you have done for years in the past (thank you secondary school), this is huge! This is one of the days that I've been both preparing for and ecstatic about (and slightly dreading) for your entire life. The unfolding of another segment of God's plan for your life that is happening before our eyes. And I just have to say, you are so ready! Zack, I'm absolutely amazed by the person that you are. Amazed by the man that you have worked so hard to become. By the student and athlete that works relentlessly to be one day better than the day before. And by the man that continues to challenge himself and accomplish each goal one by one. Your future is blazing bright and I can't wait to watch as God continues to reveal each step of this glorious journey.

As a mom who is running short on the precious years that her son will still call our house his home, I've been reflecting quite a bit lately on what my heart wants to impart to yours as you grow. I think I've finally taken the thousands of thoughts floating through my head and boiled them down into just a few all encompassing life lessons. I know I'm far from perfect in demonstrating these to you but I hope and pray that you've caught a few glimpses of them in the over the top and gushy way that I love you guys...

1. Love God. Love People.

The greatest commandment, the most important truth. It’s the foundation of everything else.

“Then Jesus replied, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:37–39

“Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13

“So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well.” – Philippians 1:9

“Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith…” – Hebrews 12:2

No matter where life takes you—on the field, in the classroom, into friendships, future jobs, future love stories—let love be your posture. Let your faith be the compass. Choose to reflect Jesus in the way you treat people. Love deeply, forgive often, lead with kindness, and always go back to the Source when you feel lost. That’s where your identity will always be safe.

2. You are blessed to be a blessing.

Everything you have—your gifts, your talents, your brain, your leadership, your athletic ability, your humor, your grit—none of it is random. God placed those things in you on purpose, for a purpose.

Use your blessings to lift others. To serve. To give. To shine light. To help people see Jesus a little more clearly through how you live and love. The world doesn’t need more people chasing after themselves. It needs people like you—people who realize that everything you have is meant to be poured back out.

Success, status, wins on the field, good grades, awards—all of those are great. But they’re just tools. What really matters is what you do with what you’ve been given. Your life is already blessing others, Zack. Keep letting it ripple outward.

3. Serve people—locally, regionally, and globally.

“You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” – Acts 1:8

Don’t underestimate the power of small, local service. Don’t overlook the people right in front of you. Start at home. Start at school. Start on your team. Then let it grow outward. Serve in your community, in your country, and in the world.

God’s call on your life is bigger than you can imagine—but it starts small. One kind word. One helping hand. One act of courage. Let Him expand your heart to care for people everywhere, and let your life speak of His goodness in every corner of the world He places you in.

Zack, high school is just the beginning of what I know will be a remarkable story. Not because of achievements—though I know there will be many—but because of the man you are becoming. A man who loves well, leads well, and lives with purpose.

I am so proud of you. So thankful for you. And so excited to walk alongside you in this next chapter.

Let’s go, Class of 2027. You were made for this.

I love you forever,

Mom