Graduation time. Ceremonies to mark the occasion. Diplomas, Degrees and Certificates to hang on a wall. Graduation parties with friends and family are a sweet part of the occasion, too. It’s a milestone moment worth celebrating. Graduating didn’t just happen. It was a long journey with a lot of time and effort to cross the finish line. You did it! Graduate, you deserve your moment.
While we’re at it, let’s celebrate some other key people as well.
As a parent, it required being a part of our kids’ education. Especially when they were younger. Did your kids get up and get ready on time every day on their own? Did they remember to pack everything needed for the day on their own? Did they complete their assignments, projects and study for tests all on their own? I remember when some test or project got a passing grade, I felt like I got a passing grade too. Parents, do you feel like you are crossing the finish line with them? If so, congratulations.
Educators, we know you had a huge part in your students being where they are today. You knew them so well that you helped them discover things about themselves. You had goals you helped your students reach. This helped prepare them for the next set of goals. Reaching the goals took teaching new information to your students. It took motivating them to do their work. You were also part of inspiring them in the future too.
Fingerprints of our heavenly Father are all over this special moment, too. From the time that He fearfully and wonderfully knit each one together in their mother’s womb, He has been at work in their lives. He gave each of them gifts and abilities. And some of those gifts and abilities have been revealed and discovered as they moved toward graduation. God placed precious people in their lives that He has used to guide, shape, and encourage them along this journey. Who comes to mind that you are particularly thankful for? God has provided experiences as part of the process that have helped develop them into the person they are today.
Graduation is a reminder that one journey is completed. At the same time, it is a launching pad for what is still to come.
At Christ’s Church, we celebrate that in Jesus, our salvation is complete. At the same time, we are still on the pathway of experiencing completeness in Jesus. As we follow Jesus, He is still growing us and maturing us. The senior adult group, Young at Heart, uses the saying, “We are learning, living and growing.” And that’s the message I want to leave with our graduates. No matter where your journey takes you or how long your journey of earth may be, keep learning, living, and growing in Jesus.
I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:14
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