“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Tonight, our middle child graduates from high school, and this milestone brings with it a mix of emotions for me. Last week, I found myself gazing at him, reflecting on his journey from infant to toddler, from young boy to teenager, and now, to a young man. As his mom, all these memories came flooding in, culminating in the realization that this incredibly capable, intelligent, sensitive, hard-working, and courageous young man has a bright future ahead of him.
Tonight we will watch other families’ graduates mark the end of their high school years and the commencement of a new chapter of life.
Tomorrow we will gather with friends and family to celebrate at open houses.
Today I resonate with the chorus of “Sunrise, Sunset,” by Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick, from the musical Fiddler on the Roof.
Sunrise, sunset
Sunrise, sunset
Swiftly fly the years
One season following another
Laden with happiness and tears
And today I am grateful for all the moments of his life that we have shared so far – happiness and tears. And I look forward to seeing how God will continue to develop his life for God’s purposes and plans.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the precious gift of children. Thank you for the honor and responsibility of guiding them in the way they should go. We pray that, as they grow, they will remain faithful to the path you have set before them.
As families celebrate graduations in all their forms this year, we ask that these moments be filled with trust in you—both in remembering the journey and in creating new memories. May each graduate learn to acknowledge you in all their ways, not relying on their own understanding, but trusting that you will make their paths straight.
We pray they would fully grasp the hope and purpose you have planned for their lives. May they be examples to others in their words, actions, love, faith, and purity.
Lord, we ask that you continue the good work you’ve begun in each graduate, bringing it to completion through Christ.
In Jesus’s name we pray, AMEN.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV)
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6 NIV)
“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12 NIV)
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 KJV)