I guess I’ll take a break from writing for a while as we finish a school year and prepare for another summer of camps. I praise God for so many answered prayers. I thank you for praying for me this year and ask that you continue to pray for us through a busy summer.
In doctor discussions since last August, our daughter, Kinsey, has been a common topic. “No, I can’t do that doctor, you see our daughter is graduating this spring and I need to be there.” “Remember, there are some treatments I can’t do, our daughter, Kinsey, is graduating this year.” “Can I skip this day? I really want to be strong for our daughter’s graduation.” Well, last night, I lost one of my ‘really good’ excuses as Kinsey graduated. (Maybe now I can start talking about Karlyn’s upcoming graduation… in 2012.)
Seriously, I am so thankful I was able to join family and friends and a host of other families as the class of 2007 walked across the stage to receive their high school diplomas. As 153 seniors walked down the aisle in graduation attire, I couldn’t help but think of how similar this picture is year after year. Of course it is special when one of your children is in the group, but those wide gowns and funny caps tend to make everyone look the same. Every year there are scholars in the group, athletes in the group, pranksters in the group, and what many would call just ‘ordinary people.’ Of course, few of us want to be known as just ‘ordinary people,’ but as the young, confident, good-looking members of the class of 2007 walked two by two, I thought: “They look like last year’s class… and the class of 2000… and the class of 1990… and the class of 1982 (my first year to teach.)”
So what makes the difference? What sets a graduate apart? What sets you and me apart? Are we all going through life thinking we’re unique when we’re really just the same as the next guy? In a way, we are all the same – we are each created in the image of God and each of us has sinned. But God sees differences. Kinsey was named female Scholar-Athlete of the Year for 2007, but that is not what sets her apart in our Heavenly Father’s eyes. Kinsey was given the honor of being named Miss GACS, but that is not why she is special in God’s sight. People who know Kinsey know how much she loves adventure. When people look at Kinsey, they see a beautiful girl with sparkling blue eyes, but there is something deeper that makes her far more beautiful than any eye can behold.
If there is anything a graduate (or you or I) can truly boast about, it is not what we’ve accomplished or what we think we’re going to accomplish, but rather what God has done and who He has given us. A long time ago, a young man who was not particularly handsome walked a road by Himself to make a difference in the world. Because of His obedience, God does see a difference in people on this earth. He sees some who are lost and need Him desperately, and He sees some who have put their faith in His Son, Jesus, and know of a purpose that goes beyond the ordinary.
“So, Kinsey, love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength. Continue to be a scholar; God has given you a good mind. Continue to be an athlete; God has given you a strong body. Continue to be an adventurer; God’s put that in your heart… and He wants you to temper it with wisdom. Guard your beauty as a treasure and save your heart for the man God has chosen for you. Know what is most beautiful, Kinsey – ‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ This is what I saw as you walked down the aisle last night. This is what is special about a girl in a common cap and gown. You weren’t created for common purposes! You are a child of the King! And the King lives in the hearts of His children. So make room for Him every day. Become less and allow Jesus to become more. Live in Him as He lives in you. Be devoted to Him and He will give you everything you need. We love you.”
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” II Chronicles 16:9