Class of '74
Our guide book at Allaso Ranch this year will feature the jr. and sr. high staff's senior photos. So, I went in search of a photo of me my senior year. When I found it and spent a few minutes looking at it, I realized that the picture had been taken 35 years ago. Wow! That's almost impossible to believe.
The first thing I notice is the hair. Back in the day, I had hair past my shoulders. I had just gotten a haircut because I was not in compliance with school regulations. Your hair could not touch your collar. I remember at Graduation practice that the admin was pulling guys out of line and making them get their hair cut by barbers at the school. It's funny today that so many guys are going with the same look.
The clothes were the style in 1974. Big thick striped ties with a huge knot. I loved the pants. The checked red, white and blue were cool. What you can't see are my white shoes and white belt This is also the outfit I wore to the Prom in our unairconditioned gym. Back in those days, I loved to dress like Pat Boone and he always had white shoes on. In the 70's school dress included jeans, green army jackets (no cammo), tennis shoes or boots. John Lennon was a huge influence in the way we dressed. At least pre-Yellow Submarine days.
Senior rings seem to have meant more in 1974 than they do today. To get a senior ring was a huge honor your junior year. I love my ring and wore it every day. Every girlfriend I had wore the ring with the help of a lot of yarn. I still have my ring and look at it occasionally. That ring had been around the block a few times with girls from Bell County.
When I look at my smooth, wrinkle free face, I didn't have a clue about what was going to happen to me. I was a few months from going to Texas Tech and meeting my future wife. I didn't' know that I would have three kids, be married 29 years, suffer from diabetes and kidney disease, have a transplant, lose a father to Alzheimer's and be called to be a pastor at the greatest church in the world. Not a care in the world at this point in my life.
To all of you who are graduating in a few days, you are the same way. These will be the best days of your life because after you leave for college, the military or work, your life is going to change in ways you can't even imagine. Life is full of surprises, happiness, sadness, life and death, ups and downs! Live each day as if it were your last becausee it may be. Follow after the Kingdom of God and you won't have anything to worry about. Don't hang out with idiots who have the potential to destroy your life. Find the good and solid Christ followers who will do the right thing.
I hope when you look back after 35 years, you can say like I can say that God has taken me on an incredible journey and it's not over yet. He has protected me, comforted and provided for my every want and need. He has blessed my family financially, relationally and spiritually. God has given me a wife I do not deserve and three kids who are making their way in this world. He has revealed Himself to me more and more.
What great memories of high school! Now, I have to go work out so I can achieve that same sleek body I had 35 years ago! To all the grads, congratulations on graduation!
