How could I blink and open my eyes 6500 days later? Those were my thoughts as I watched my first born grandchild cross the 
stage and receive her high school diploma with highest honors. It was a powerful “selah”—the pause psalmists use at the close of profound thoughts, a call to stop and contemplate. And following the picture taking and celebrations with family and friends, that is what I did. I paused to look for my “selah brations” and found:
A pause to reflect: Present at her birth, I watched Elliott enter our world. I was privileged to be part of many milestones: first steps, musical performances, caring for her 24/7 while parents traveled for ministry, and so much more. Each chapter was a gift. Her journey represented moments with laughter, learning in life and school, perseverance, and character building that would serve her well.
A pause to give thanks: Family ties across hundreds of miles remain strong. For a graduation gift, one of her aunts had a blanket made with family pictures. The saying at the bottom read: “la famiglia e tutto.” Family is everything. We’ve learned to capture moments, not take family lightly, but hold on loosely. In a heartbeat, family structure changes.
A pause to pray blessings. At Elliott’s graduation party, my daughter had a Bible on a display table with an invitation for guests to underline a verse and include their name. That favorite verse was intended to be a prayer for Elliott as she moves to her next season. Mine was Colossians 1: 9-12 NIV
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.”
A pause to invest and share: Several years ago, a speaker at a retreat encouraged women to give Bibles to their children as they leave home. She didn’t mean a Bible in a gift box with a name inscribed in gold letters on the cover, but a suggestion for a parent or grandparent to underline, and write notes and comments on passages to encourage the recipient in truth. For a year plus, I made those notes from my heart to Elliott’s, with a prayer to hold tightly to these life-giving words. 
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts.” Psalm 145:4 ESV
During the seventeen years and a few months that quickly passed, I had a front row seat to struggles, milestones, and celebrations, and offered much prayer for her. My sweet Elliott is my special gift, tied with the most impressive bow ever. My prayer is she will pause in our noisy world to have her selah moments and ponder God’s faithfulness and the great things He has in store for her, things planned for her long ago.
Share in the comments. Consider your Selahs and then perhaps write your prayer for a graduate.
And a few notes: Click on my guest post at Jeannie Waters’ site for more ideas on investing and gifts of influence. https://www.jeanniewaters.com/blog/graduates-practical-gifts-of-influence-inspiration-and-legacy-a-guest-post-by-marilyn-nutter/
If you are a visitor today, when you sign up to receive blogs and newsletters, you will also receive 31 prayers for graduates. Regular subscribers: check your most recent newsletter for yours.😊.
I love the idea of giving an annotated Bible! What a great idea, Marilyn. God bless!
Thank you, Nancy. I was also thinking that in years to come, they would service as guidance and love from her grandmother. Marilyn
What a touching message, Marilyn. Thank you. My grandchildren are young, but I know the time will come too soon they will be graduating. I pray that all graduates will stay on their pathway with Jesus, seeking His guidance in every aspect of their journey. Temptations are pulling them in every direction, but Jesus will keep them safe and secure. May God bless Elliott, her parents, and you, too, Marilyn as she spreads her wings to fly.
Thank you Katherine–wings and many prayers!
Another terrific post Ms. Marilyn. I couldn’t help but think of Mr. Nutter and imaging him smiling as he looks down from heaven to see all that you and he began. “La tua famiglia è così benedetta e bella” my friend.
I thought of him smiling down many times, JD. Your Italian blessing is indeed a blessing. Thank you. Marilyn
Oh how I love the way you used the word “selah” here. Selah is a word I’ve been reading and learning about this year. and now I have a new way to think about it – “selah” bration. That sums it up so well! Thanks, Marilyn
Thank you Candyce.
Congratulations on this milestone in your family. Love your “selah-brations” because that is what they are. Wishing blessings for Elliot and the many ways you have and will continue to bless her life.
Thank you so much, Barbara.
What a treasure to receive a Bible with notes and verses underlined from a loved one written specifically for them.
Glad you joined us April!
This is a beautiful way to celebrate. I love the Bible idea. So very special
Thank you. I think of it as an heirloom:)
Marilyn, your beautiful post reminds me to cherish each season. What an amazing legacy you’re building.