GRADUATION

It was a bit sentimental attending my youngest son’s college graduation and soaking up the excitement of everyone there. He was my only child who opted to attend his college graduation, so my heart was filled with joy at sharing in the experience. It was a special bonus that we unknowingly sat at the end of an aisle that was exactly where he processed.

As the graduates began the procession, my thoughts turned to the similarities between  our faith journeys here on earth and the time when we are called to graduate from this earth and are ushered into heaven.

 

EXCITEMENT AND JOY IN LOOKING FOR THEIR LOVED ONES WHO SHARED IN THIS MILESTONE.

Then Jesus told them this parable:  “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?  And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’  I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.” –Luke 15:3-7 (NIV)

What excitement and joy there is in heaven whenever someone comes to the point of repenting from their old ways because they accept Jesus as their Savior! They are brought into the sheepfold of Jesus, the Good Shepherd.

As the graduates were processing in, they were looking around,hoping to spot their loved ones. Some were all smiles and beaming in excitement, waving to their family and friends. Others looked a bit sad or anxious if they could not find the familiar faces they were looking for. When the graduates walked the stage as their names were called, a few shouts of “She’s my sister” or “He’s my brother” could be heard. People wanted them to know how much they were loved and that their family was proud of what they had accomplished.

REFLECTION:

When you get to heaven, will you have even greater excitement and joy when you see God, Jesus, Mary, the angels, and the saints, along with your family and friends?

 

My smiling son, looking at the camera, found his family as he is about to pass by us!

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF PEOPLE WHO PLAYED A SPECIAL ROLE IN THEIR LIVES.

So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. –Exodus 17:10-12 (NIV)

Who would think that holding up someone’s hands would be a special role? Aaron and Hur filled that role so that Moses was able to endure a whole day holding the staff of God that otherwise he would not have been able to. Because of it, God kept the Israelites safe allowing Joshua to defeat the Amalekites.

Before the ceremony began, there were touching videos of different graduates who thanked their parents, family, friends, mentors, and professors along their journey. The few students who gave speeches did likewise. All of the people that were mentioned helped give the emotional or physical support that was needed to persevere and make it through successfully. They shared in the struggles and the victories, giving encouragement to overcome obstacles.

REFLECTION:

Who is someone you can thank today for the special role they played in your life?

 

HARD WORK PAYS OFF.

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. –Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)

We should all work with our whole hearts in whatever we are doing. All that we do, from running a simple errand to giving a speech at a notorious college, should be done unto the Lord. We are ultimately serving Christ in all we do and sharing in His love. He rewards the attitude of our hearts.

The videos also showcased the hard work the students had put into their studies to be successful. Hours of reading, studying for tests, and doing projects or student teaching took place to be successful in obtaining their respective degrees. The graduates spent countless hours dedicating themselves to studying so they could become better people and provide for themselves and their families. Several students were juggling raising families and working different jobs while attending college.

REFLECTION:

Is your top goal to work hard in whatever you are doing to bring glory to God?

 

 

May these graduates inspire us to continue running the race of this life with excitement and joy while walking in faith, not fear. Live each day with a sense of accomplishment as you love and serve those in your path. I pray we may motivate each other to do good works as we strive together to be better reflections of Jesus. And when we are ushered into heaven, we will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

 

Be encouraged this week to…

…share in someone’s excitement and joy who is achieving a milestone.

…thank someone specifically for the way they have played a major role in your life.

…put everything into all you do to bring glory to God.

“The master said, ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!’” –Matthew 25:23 (NLT)