It's hard for me to consider that my high school graduation was in 1998. I was 18, hopeful, determined and "ready" for the world ahead of me. I drove a 1976 Ford Maverick that was the exact same color as a Barbie. I am not exagerating. I loved that car because my Great Grandma gave it to me. In fact, wish I still had it today. I thought I was overweight. I wasn't, I was healthy. I wasn't the size 4 cheerleader, but I was beautiful. If only I had realized that then, the world of hurt it could have saved me from. I had my life perfectly planned. (That I really thought was true!)
Well, the Maverick ended up being sold, the weight issues were untrue but tainted my world view, and my life was not perfectly planned. But, my life would turn out perfectly!
Graduation was a time of excitement, new beginnings, and freedom. I went on to Eugene Bible College in the fall of 1998 where I planned to stay for 4 years. I stayed there for just a year. I was "dumped" by long time boyfiend in the spring of 1999. I wish him the best, but God sure took care of me and gave me a loving, adorable, fun and exciting husband. Then, on top of that he blessed me with a son! I lived in the dorms on campus that didn't feel exactly 'free' but learned some valuable life lessons.
The cap and gown are now in a costume box. The high heels were sold at a garage sale a long time ago. The sunglasses I "had" to wear as I walked on to the North Eugene High School baseball field were lost. But, that feeling of hope and determination never was put away, sold or lost. Did it waiver from time to time? YES! But I am thankful it has never left.
Graduation season is here and while I listened last night to shining, beautiful young ladies with long flowing hair blowing in the wind on a sunny Oregon night I thought back to my own graduation and purposed within myself to renew the excitement in my life. Does that mean I will jump from an airplane tomorrow? No (but it would be fun!). Will I quit my job and fly to a foreign land? No (but can you imagine if you could?!?) I will restore the joy of my life.
I am reminded of the scripture in Psalms 51:12. "Restore to me the joy of your salvation."(NLT)
Maybe you are like me and get overwhelmed by the business of life. Life is messy. We can't renew the joy of our salvation on our own. The silly string, bouncing beach balls and sunglasses seem to be long gone and you are left with just the uncomfotable bleachers. My friend, be encouraged. We all can have a graduation in our hearts today.
Stand up. Put on your sprirtual cap and gown. Find your high heels and sunglasses. Put them on! Our futures are bright. Just because we are not the fresh faced 18 year olds graduating from high school does not mean we have to miss out on the excitement, freedom, hope and determination of life.
Stand with me, move your tassle from the right side of your cap, to the left. Look at the future with bright hopefilled eyes and be ready to take on the world. Not because we have life perfectly planned or becasue we know it all, but because we know the One who does. And not because we can do this on our own, but because we are fully reliant on Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith.
We are all individuals with our own set of circumstances, dreams and desires. But today, we are in our perfectly pressed gowns and are united in Christ's redemption.
So today let's hold our heads high, walk with purpose, live in Christ's freedom and know that if we just ask He will renew the joy of our salvation. The salvation that brings peace, guidance, and contentment.
Graduation day is here in our hearts! Throw that cap high in the air and look forward to the future God has for you!
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