Once again we are approaching the time of beginnings and endings that marks the end of the academic year. Doors close on times of joy and sometimes frustration that mark our various journeys from pre-school through the university. Doors close, but memories remain forever – recollections of adventures, ball games, classmates, teachers and … of course, exams.
Farewells are the sad part along with the knowledge that after graduation these people, whose lives have been so intertwined, will probably never be all together again. On the other hand, there is the promise and challenge of a new beginning … a new school, a new career, and a new blank slate upon which to make your mark. It is a time to look forward to new experiences and new friends in your journey to God.
And of course, that is our journey; that is our goal. We know not what the future will hold for us and do not know who will join us on the road ahead. Each of us is shaped by so many with whom we share the journey for a short time; parents, family, teachers, friends, children. The journey is ours alone, but we will never be alone. There will always be those who help us carry our load and those whose load we share. It is frightening, yet, it is exhilarating.
I congratulate all of our graduates and bid them to go with God. I ask His blessing upon all graduates and those who have journeyed with them thus far, and those who will join them on the road ahead. I particularly thank the parents who are called to let their children go. I thank them for their love and their preparation of their children for the journey.
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Image credit: Bairn Hanif on Unsplash