Congratulations graduates
By Dan Stremel
Director, Offices of Finance and Stewardship
How many of you remember your high school or college graduation day? It might have been only a few years ago or what seems like an eternity ago. Some members of the class were sad that this day had come, a time when they would separate and go their own way. Others in the class were happy that this day had come when they could go their separate way. Each would soon begin a new chapter in their life without many of the same people with whom they had spent most of their lives.
We have a tendency to think of graduation as the end, for it is. It is the point when one’s period of study is completed and one receives a diploma or certificate for his or her achievement. However, it is also a beginning point, the start of another chapter in one’s life when one takes the knowledge they have gained and puts it to use in another environment.
I remember both my high school and college graduations well. They were exciting times when it felt as though a great burden had finally been lifted from my shoulders. At that time celebrating the achievements with family and friends were tops on my list of things to do, not to begin thinking about the next chapter in my life.
Many of us at this time of year are experiencing either our own graduations or the graduation of a family member from 8th grade, high school, or college. Others may be getting ready to gather with former classmates for a reunion to relive a school graduation while still others are busy making arrangements for other similar events. Finally, some of you might be rejoicing that none of these events are happening this year, thankful that you can allow others the privilege of these special days.
I want to congratulate all of those graduating this spring, especially my daughter Josslyn who is graduating from high school this year. It is my hope that you, your friends, and all of the graduates will celebrate the completion of this chapter of your life, and succeed in the many future chapters that are yet to come. These young people are the future of our world, our society, and our church, and I am confident they will accomplish remarkable feats in the years to come.
These graduates are also stewards, having participated in activities and events over the past several years that have been opportunities to share their God-given talents, even if they didn’t realize it. Stewardship does not award graduation certificates or diplomas for completing a specific course of study, or for passing certain classes, for stewardship is an ongoing experience that has no end point as does a graduation. These students have been blessed by our Lord, blessed with a unique set of gifts from God. As parents and family members we have also been abundantly blessed through our children and by the other many gifts and treasures present in our lives. These are gifts that many have not quite come to fully understand or appreciate.
Now is a time to celebrate the accomplishments that each of you have worked so hard to achieve. You deserve this time to celebrate, you’ve earned it. Very soon, though, each of us – not just the graduates — will be called upon to share our gifts with and for someone else. Remember, to be stewards and to gratefully share our gifts with others, we don’t need a piece of paper suggesting that we are qualified. Rather, each of us needs only the relationship with Jesus through prayer and the willingness to listen to His call to be known as Christian stewards. The chapters of our lives will then take on new meaning and new life.
Congratulations and best wishes graduates. You are each gifted in a special way and I pray that your gifts will continue to positively change the world and society in which we live.