Some thoughts on Graduations

Some thoughts on Graduations
I have attended a number of graduations this spring including a law school graduation for my niece in Indianapolis my son’s graduation from Goshen College and my daughter ‘s graduation from high school. It seems like every graduation has some similar themes of thanking the parents, teachers, and families, and looking with eagerness for a bright future filled with success. Graduates are exhorted to “Follow your Dreams” and “Go for the Stars” etc. Sometimes it all seems a little unrealistic. Certainly it is good to look to the future with anticipation, confidence and hope. At the same time things don’t always work out like we thought.
One of my favorite books of all time is Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Seuss. I have given a number out as graduation gifts and this year gave a copy to my daughter. In this book which is far more than a simple children’s book Dr. Seuss joyfully celebrates future possibilities:

OH! THE PLACES YOU’LL GO!
You’ll be on your way up!
You’ll be seeing great sights!
You’ll join the high fliers
who soar to high heights.

You won’t lag behind, because you’ll have the speed.
You’ll pass the whole gang and you’ll soon take the lead.
Wherever you fly, you’ll be best of the best.
Wherever you go, you will top all the rest…

He also stresses the realities of life that come to all of us:

Except when you don’t
Because, sometimes you won’t.

I’m sorry to say so but sadly it’s true
that Bang-ups and Hang-ups can happen to you.

You can get all hung up in a prickle-ly perch.
And your gang will fly on.
You’ll be left in a Lurch.

Find a copy of the book so you cannot read the rest of the engaging and rhythmic text but also see the fanciful illustrations that Dr Seuss has been known for for so many years.
We are never promised an easy, stress free life with no dead ends and failures. Even with setbacks and difficulties we can live life with confidence knowing that God is with us and understands our situation and is always there to lead and guide.
Blessings to all the graduates and anyone who is starting a new chapter in life. Be assured of God’s presence that will be with you no matter what happens.