“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith
the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” (Jeremiah 29:11 KJV)
Me on my high school graduation day (May 27, 1990) |
Commencement is defined as: “an act, instance, or time of commencing; the ceremonies or the day for
conferring degrees or diplomas”. While commencement seems to indicate an end of
something, such as high school or college, it really means a beginning of
something, a new time of life.
My Uncle Carrol and me on my graduation day from William Penn (College) University (May 14 1995, Mother’s Day) |
During our lives we have many
beginnings and starts—the very first day of school, the first day of high school,
the first day at a new job—the list is endless. Many times a new beginning is
the end of some thing that captured our attention for many years. We grieve
what we are leaving behind; while feeling a degree of anxiety/excitement about
what our future holds.
What feelings did you
experience at your high school/college graduation?
In what ways did your dreams
come true after graduation? If not, how were God’s plans and dreams different than yours?
My friend, Maud, and me after our college graduation ceremony |
Have you ever considered how
inviting Jesus into your heart is like a “commencement”?
We know there is much
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:7). There is a turning
from “idols” to the Lord (1Thessalonians 1:9); much like the turning of the tassel
during the graduation ceremony, we have a new identity and a new set of
responsibilities. A totally new way of life is open to us.
To be sure, there is an
adjustment period, not only for new graduates but also for those who receive Jesus
as Savior and Lord.
What advice would you give
to this year’s graduates?
Me after graduate school graduation ceremonies at the University of Northern Iowa (May 8, 1999) |
Please join with me in prayer:
Dear Heavenly
Father, thank You for knowing Your plans for us—plans that will bring about
positive things for us. Help us to trust in You and the plans You have for each
one of us. Clearly reveal Your presence those who are beginning new chapters in
their lives, whether it is through graduation or starting life anew as a
Christian. We pray for our graduates that they will correctly discern the plans
You have for them. May each one seek You and discern the dreams You have for
them. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray. Amen.
From
My Heart to Yours,
Kim
I love how you wove the idea of commencement with turning our lives over to Christ. New beginnings, indeed! Love and blessings, Kim!
ReplyDeleteMartha, thank you! I discovered this in some writing I did a number of years ago and expanded on it a bit. Glad it made sense to you!
DeleteLove and blessings, Martha!
Hi Kim! Like Martha, I never thought of 'commencement' being the invitation of Christ into our hearts. But it really is. Jesus doesn't come for nothing, He comes to urge us forward, urge us to help, inspire and be there for others. I love this!
ReplyDeleteYou have inspired me today and I'm so grateful.
Blessings,
Ceil
Hi Ceil! I'm thankful that I inspired you with my writing! Yet my writing really isn't my own. The Holy Spirit works through me in all that I do, at least that is my goal.
DeleteBlessings!