Whenever people ask me how I like retirement in terms of leaving the teaching profession, I always return with a statement like this, “I finally graduated from high school 10 years ago.” That usually gets a laugh for those who understand that I have been in school as a student and or as a teacher all my life. So, 2012, I finally graduated from school, not from learning for that goes on for a lifetime.
Graduation is a big event. We hold graduation ceremonies for preschoolers, kindergarten, fifth grade, eighth grade, and then finally 12th grade when students leave the public school system to either enter a college, trade school, or a job. At this time, it is hoped that a young person realizes some of their goals, but we all know that can change depending on choices and what life hands us as well. In any event certain criteria had to be reached to be considered for graduation.
As our young graduates enter their adult lives here is some advice from the word of God to who maintain faith. I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) Do not let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith and your purity. (1 Timothy 4:12) God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others. (2 Corinthians 9:8) Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:6) For I walk by faith not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7 When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. (Isaiah 43:2) Such advice works for all Christians.
Someday we will all graduate from life. It will be the time we come to meet our Lord, Jesus Christ. We may have many merits that we could show Him but most important would be the faith with lived in our lives no matter what walk we took and no matter what obstacles we met or the successes we have achieved. The only scroll that will count at that time is the Lamb’s book of life that contains the names of all those who will graduate into eternal life. We look forward to many different milestones along life’s journey such as graduation, but the end milestone is the one that brings us face to face with Jesus. All else will seem like dirty rags. But Christ will reward you with a robe and a new body that will live in eternity in a new world full of great wonders which experience will never end.
Congratulations to all our graduates. Congratulations to all those all of you who anticipate the biggest graduation day of all. Be encouraged,
Ray
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