Graduate Thoughts
I remember my high school graduation. Some parts are fuzzy, but the feeling will always be with me. School work behind me, opportunity ahead. I knew the big picture of what was next, but details were still to fall into place.
Before social media, I knew my roommate's name, her basic information, and little else. My parents knew the check-in date on campus. In my purse was a list of supplies and money from the graduation party. I did not know who my closest friends would be, what challenges awaited me, or what it meant to live away from home.
What I figured out along the way is how good the Good Shepherd was to me. Even if you know this one, read it in this translation and let the words speak to you again.
Psalms 23, New Living Translation.
The LORD is my shepherd;
I have all that I need.
He lets me rest in green meadows;
he leads me beside peaceful streams.
He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
bringing honor to his name.
Even when I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
protect and comfort me.
You prepare a feast for me
in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
My cup overflows with blessings.
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the LORD forever.
What I would say to graduates today, hold onto the big picture the Good Shepherd has for you. Remember you will have the gift of choice to follow or not. God is ready to lead you, if you are willing to be led. He is the Good Shepherd. The one who laid his life down for you.
Learning the hard way is part of life. This is why we need a “rod and staff.” When you get off the path you know is best for you, be okay with admitting you need a do-over. The "rod and staff" consequences are not for you to feel bad about yourself, but to help you learn wisdom. The Holy Spirit will renew your strength.
There are good things planned for you.
In life, I sometimes choose poorly who I wanted to hang out with. This was especially true in college. You might, too. What this middle-aged woman learned is when I stopped caring what people thought about me and more about the type of person I want to become, the healthier choices I made for my friendships.
The psalms also remind us of dark and scary places we will go through. Sometimes it is hard to feel the presence of God. When you are lonely, scared, in trouble call on the Protector of your heart (and maybe your mom or dad!). Jesus died for your salvation, he is not going to leave you alone to figure things out.
Goodness and love will pursue you, remind yourself daily about it by reading the Bible. Find a community of people who love God and are called according to His good purpose. You will be able to have fun with them without doing things that you don’t mind texting home about.
Finally, be patient with the process of growing up. Everything God has planned will take time for you to get there. You have begun in a long journey in the same direction. Detours can be expected, but all will be set right as long as you trust the Good Shephered.
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