4:345 – Graduations and Transitions

#faithbites #faithjourney graduations

Setting

When you look back at your graduations or the graduations of others, what do you think and how do you feel? Was there a sense of joy and pride? Relief and relaxation? Feed and trepidation? All of the above? I can say I felt that way today as I was officially hooded at our Doctoral Hooding Celebration. It was a great experience shared with loved ones, friends, an advisor, and seeing so many people. Our keynote speaker reminded us of how much work a dissertation is in the most normal of circumstances, but completing one in the middle of a pandemic, social unrest, working full time, being a parent, and more, it’s just crazy. Then as I started writing this, I received an email from my advisor with a picture she took, telling me the pride she felt and how important this day is for all of us. She stressed how good of an example it is for my kids. So many feels.

While this is about my graduation, we have to think about why God gives us these experiences.

Today’s Questions: What is God trying to tell us when we have ceremonies like graduations? How can our accomplishments help others grow and achieve their dreams?

Scripture

• 1 Timothy 4:12 – Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
• Philippians 1:6 – 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.
• Isaiah 43:2 – When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.

Reflection

Our verses show the importance of graduation and transitions. If we look at 1 Timothy, we see that some don’t like us for our youth but we are to set the example in all we do. This youth doesn’t have to be chronological age. It can be youth in ideas, thought, actions. We are graduating with new ideas to help, change, and shape the world. Even if we are looked down upon, we should always be the example of Christ. Love!

Let’s talk about transitions. I have a good friend who is looking at relocating and another friend who I just got a card with a letter about their transitions in life. These aren’t graduations with a cap and gown, and one is planned while the other wasn’t. The key is that God is working through both of these people and their transitions. He started a good work and even though the plan seems to be changing, God isn’t leaving. He is helping them move forward, grow, learn about themselves, and find where he wants them to be. Transitions, just like graduations can be scary. But God is clear that even though we may pass through troubled waters, fire and flame, we will not drown, we will not burn. God has a path and a journey for each of us. It is through him, through the people he puts in our path, that we will succeed.

As we close, remember that graduations and transitions, planned or unplanned, should be celebrated. They are a chance to share how God is working in our life. Never forget that you are loved, blessed, and supported.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for putting my friends and family in my life. Thank you for their love and support as I worked through this dissertation and ultimately graduation. I couldn’t have done it without them and you. Lord, we pray for all those who are transitioning from one place to another, one phase of life to another. Lord, you have them in your hand and will not let them drown or be burned. Let them feel your presence and your love in all aspects of their journey. You are the God of Gods and we know nothing is beyond your reach. We pray all this in your name, Amen.