Graduating

It's May, and graduates across much of the US are throwing their caps into the air in anticipation of something new in their lives. Graduation signifies an end-- the end of one chapter in someone's life. Often, though, graduation is referred to as "commencement," which seems more fitting to me, since commencement signals a new beginning.


Just a few days ago, six-year-old Lydia graduated from preschool. Covid protocols had made it difficult for Lydia to attend preschool the previous year, so she and little brother, Ari, attended Faith Lutheran Preschool together this year, even though Lydia was completing Kindergarten in her homeschool curriculum. Now, she is more than ready to begin first grade.

Lydia will miss her preschool teachers.
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you...
Philippians 1:3

You can click here to see and hear Lydia's graduation recitation.  



Just a week ago, Levi graduated from Gering High School. Levi's school experience was often rocky, and there were times when we weren't sure he would ever make it to graduation. However, this past school year has been Levi's best ever, by far; I think he even enjoyed school most of the time, and he excelled in most of his classes.

Levi is planning to attend Frontier School of the Bible in the Fall, 
with hopes of eventually becoming a youth pastor.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3

Two of my kids graduated from Gering High School at the top of their respective classes, with cords and medals around their necks. The other two have worked harder, without many accolades, but deserving of so much praise for accomplishing something that sometimes seemed out of reach. And for all four of them, graduation from high school led to new beginnings, to the commencement of further studies and sometimes uncertain journeys into adulthood.

Graduation, whether from preschool, high school, college, or anything between, is an exciting achievement for the one who is graduating, and for their friends and families as well. It is a time to celebrate, but it can also be a time of indecision and change. Some kids embark on more learning opportunities, while others immediately move into real life situations, earning their own paychecks and trying to live productive and fulfilling adult lives in a world that is often scary and confusing. 

Whatever the future holds, my desire for every graduate is this, from Proverbs 3:6:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, 
and lean not on your own understanding; 
in all your ways submit to him, 
and he will make your paths straight.
  

Congratulations, graduates!
May (God) give you the desires of your heart
and make all your plans succeed.
 Psalm 20:4



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