Graduation

It was a first, a graduation ceremony for a five year old, my grandson Blake. And I must say it was just precious. The children were dressed in their best, and you could tell were so proud to be acknowledged. They sang patriot songs and were well practiced and well mannered. They were celebrating accomplishments they had experienced over this year but many of had been at the school since they were two. This was the last grade offered at Westminster. They sang their songs and then marched to the foyer to get their graduation hats on while the audience watched a video of the children during their school year. The familiar graduation tune began and here they came, parading with pride down the aisle in their graduation hats. Their names were called one by one and they hugged their teachers and received their diploma, stood at attention for a group picture, closing remarks and they were off....to their next venture in life.



It was for five year olds...but truly as adults aren't we up for graduation every few years as well. We might not be school bound as the world knows schooling, but each year we are putting into play what we have learned, and continue to be challenged with lessons and "home"work that promote our growth, our maturity, our perspectives, our attitudes, our beliefs, etc.



Imagine for a minute if you were in a graduation processional mode, would you be able to walk down the aisle in pride of the accomplishments you have made, or shall I say that God has made within you (and I am not talking success in your job but success as a person)?

I watch my grandchildren and see so clearly their little curious minds in action. They are learning not just by what they hear but by what they see in practice. And they are in the process of being molded; tapping into their talents, their personalities, their peer groups, and their resources in order to be active participants in this world. Oh how precious to be a part of the life schooling of our children and grandchildren. What an honor God has extended to us.



We are all children in our own way, still learning in the same ways that our children are learning. But as we get older our choices become greater. It is good sometimes to reflect on where we have been and what we have learned. Are we different than we were five years ago and how have we changed. Are we more mature, have we mellowed, have our perspectives been altered as to how we look at people and we we treat others. And where does God play into our lives. Is he more of a companion now that he has been? Have we recognized his presence in our lives and His footprints as he has guided our way?



God is in the business of transformation. We all know that life does not ever stand still. The older we get the faster it seems to move. But so many times, I don't know about you, but I know I miss out on some precious moments of watching the blessings of transformations that are before me and within me. The "graduation" events. God moves slowly, but definitively. Sometimes the changes are so gradual that we have to look at them in increments of years and not moments. But the important thing is that we do reflect so that we can alter our attitudes and tracks accordingly. For sometimes we are riding down the wrong tracks, and even though God sees where we are heading, he is waiting for us to take notice and make a conscious decision to stop ourselves on our track.



There are going to be hard lessons and easy ones....for each of us. Some lessons are discouraging and cause us to want to throw in the towel with great frustration, while others delight our very soul and meet our expectations of desire. But in order to receive that desired diploma of life's accomplishment we have to pursue life's lessons in faith, no matter how tough or easy the courses may be. And sometimes, faith is the hardest of all to hold onto, especially when we can not see what God ultimately has in store for us. Our vision is often times clouded by failures, rejection, opposition, disillusionment, fear and shame, all obstacles that God can overcome if we seek his help. But these are courses that God uses to strengthen our faith, as he shows us his grace. We just have to trust God with all our might and hold on tight to our faith as we trudge through whatever lesson is before us!....Graduation is a gradual process....a process which grows us and transforms us one lesson at a time.



We don't generally look at "life" as schooling but really it is. We have lessons, we have teachers, we begin in one area and advance to another and ultimately will graduate to the highest life of all...eternity. I watched these little five year olds in total delight, mine and theirs. They are curious, they are eager to learn and proud to advance. Not only are these children receptive and responsive but God has given them parents and family and teachers to be a receptive and engaged audience who stand in their path to encourage, challenge, teach, mold, train, comfort, stretch, and educate them. Their journey of life began the moment they were born and year by year they gain momentum as they are being transformed into being who God has envisioned them to be, and for the purposes he has planned. As darling as they are, these life headlines and accomplishments will fade away, just as ours have. It is only what we do to advance the call of God on this earth that will be lasting and eternal. This is their beginning.... We were once five....and look at us now? God is still our applauding audience....who finds delight in our performance when it reflects His lessons that we have applied to our life. May we walk in honor of the God we love and the God we follow.....in hopes that when our final graduation day comes we are in line for our heavenly diploma of God's ultimate grace.
2 Timothy 4:8 (New International Version) Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Dear Lord, We are being taught your lessons each day through adversities as well as joys. Please help us to be mindful of your presence and your hand of help, grace, strength, wisdom and love that you extend openly to all who ask. Amen



We are approaching a Memorial Day weekend and I know that you will join me in paying honor to the great men and women who have lost their lives fighting for our nation's freedom. We thank them and are forever grateful for eternal sacrifice.



Memorial Day is a United States federal holiday that honors American servicemembers and is observed on the last Monday of May (May 30 in 2011). Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. citizens who died while on military service. First enacted to honor Union and Confederate soldiers following the American Civil War, it was extended after World War I to honor Americans who have died in all wars.

Memorial Day often marks the start of the summer vacation season, and Labor Day its end.



May you have a safe and blessed holiday!


Praise God wherever you are and whatever situation He has allowed you to be in . . . His glory will shine through!