Gifts for the Graduating Class of 2014
© 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr.
Why would we give our new grad so basic a set of presents as a rock, a brick or a stick? Surely, it would pale in comparison to jewelry, electronics and no doubt, a NEEEEEW KARRRRR! (In my game show announcer’s voice). These are the expectations, and perhaps surprises that many of our graduates would be only too proud to claim from under the graduation tree, if it were. A rock, brick or stick, would definitely bring a surprised look, a false sense of appreciation, and a quick look of wonderment as to whether the giver was playing a joke, or had suffered a sudden case of dementia. None of these are to be ruled out, but nevertheless, it would be a gift, purposeful, but with a letter. What would that letter say?
It would probably say something to this effect:
Dearest graduate of 2014.
Please except this gift (rock, brick or stick) with my best wishes. I know that you will most likely receive far more desirable gifts, and that this one will hardly compare. But as you push this gift aside, note too that each of the gifts that you will receive, will, subsequently, be pushed aside as well. They will bring you momentary joy, and use in the manner in which you should be accustomed. But for a small amount of time their value will continue to decrease, and will eventually go out of style. You will most likely replace any number of your gifts with newer versions, perhaps more expensive models, for which you are entitled to do and richly deserve. This gift however, (rock, brick or stick), has no financial, or any real value. If you were to put it in your attic, or throw it in the back yard, it will still be a rock , stick or brick. The rock and brick will hold its shape for some years to come. The stick, it may become brittle if left in the weather for the elements to eat away at it. You may have to treat it with some type of protective paint. But here is the pitch, Graduate of the Class of 2014:
A rock lies on the bottom of many rivers. When water passes over the rocks, the water that passes over them becomes purified, and makes the water cleaner to drink. The brick can be used with other bricks to form foundations for homes, large buildings, or even make a fireplace. The stick can be used to make firewood, or used as a weapon to fight off wild animals. Or, the stick can be used to build a lean-to joined by leaves and strong vines while in the wild. As you graduate, know that whether it was a rock, brick or stick, each played a tremendous role in building your past. You may take for granted the fact that rocks are used in cement to make driveways and build roads, but they aren’t going anywhere for the foreseeable future. You may take for granted that bricks help to hold up some of the tallest buildings, but they do their jobs very well, and will continue to be a part of our lives. As for sticks, their value comes in at where we want them to. We can make a slingshot, a bow and arrow, or even a musical instrument. If it is sturdy enough, it may even make a good shovel, or can be whittled down to a spear, or small shovel. Please use wisely.
Sign XXXX.
Whatever you do with your gift is up to you. But know that it is not the thought that counts from the giver, but the thought that counts by the recipient. I don’t believe that many people will spend hours looking for a rock, brick or stick to give to today’s graduates. The average graduate would probably be highly insulted, even if they didn’t say so. But if they are the noble graduates that we know them to be, they will very easily look past the oddity of the gift, and see the practicality, and the potential value of either the rock, the brick or the stick.
The practicality of any or all of the gifts that would be a rock, brick or stick maybe lost on some graduates, if only for a moment. But it takes a strong mind to look past a gift that is not the usual, the expected, or the normal. Yes, cash is still the best gift of all, along with jewelry, clothes, a car or even a house. But let us not lose sight of why we want our graduates to succeed. We want them to succeed because they are now prepared to look past what is, and they are able to see what can be. To the average person, the rock, the brick or the stick is just a rock, brick or stick. To the outstanding achiever that we believe that every graduate is, the rock is the Empire State Building, the brick is the masonry for every home built in a new subdivision. As for the stick, it is that big piece of wood being pile driven deep into the earth to build new schools to educate our youth, or new factories to employ those of our respective communities. Seeing what can be is the true test for our graduates. And it is a test that they will surely pass, with flying colors.
To the graduating class of 2014, please accept your rock, your brick or your stick with all of the sincerest of appreciation and excitement that you can muster. See this moment for what it truly is, your turning point from student to practitioner. From observationist to applicationist. From questioner of facts to questioner of what can be. Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2014, and enjoy all of your gifts.
Disclaimer: The Coveted Commandment © 2014 by Wayne Dan Lewis, Sr. Information provided here is deemed to be from reliable sources, but not guaranteed. If your group would like to have Wayne Lewis speak to them, email wdlewis8088@gmail.com or call 512-786-7959. Consult with your respective professional for advice.
