High School Graduation: Sweet Ending for a New Beginning
We grow nostalgic at high school graduations. They mark a sweet ending for a new beginning. They remind us that time has zipped by. We yearn to slow the clock, to hold onto the familiar a little longer. At the same time, new horizons and experiences beckon. We experience mixtures of fear and excitement.
The emotions were the same at my graduation, my children’s graduation, and now, even more so, at my first grandson’s graduation. Why is that, I wonder. Is it because we live in a more unpredictable world today? Or is it because of the stark reality that I’ve now lived through three generations of graduations. There can’t be many more left to experience.
Nevertheless, we had a big time celebrating my grandson’s graduation. Several branches of family gathered for an informal meal and a few activities. One activity was to write words of wisdom, or well-wishes for the graduate.
What advice would you give a recent graduate? My message was far from profound. If I had it to do over, I would have included a Bible verse.
Maybe one of the following that immediately sprang to mind:
Fear Not.
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
(Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV)
Lean on God.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
(Proverbs 3:5 NIV)
Please God.
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord and not for people, (Colossians 3:23 NASB).
What about you? Please share a verse you would leave for a high school grad. I need a collection because I have a few more grandchildren still to graduate!
Other Ways to Celebrate Graduation
A Candy Bar to illustrate the “sweet ending.” Candy and Labels: Smarties: Smarty Pants; Tootsie Rolls: Honor Rolls; Peanut M&Ms: Nutty Professors; Pay Days: Student Loans; Starbursts: Reach for the Stars; Gummy Worms: Bookworms; Kit Kats: Study Break.
A Nod to the Graduate’s Future Plans
Let your graduate know you will continue to cheer him on, pray for him, and help him during the next chapter of his life. For mine, it’s being an Owl at Kennesaw State University.
And of course, one must have a photo backdrop.
(proud Grami and graduate)
Our graduate will take this devotional handbook to school with him, written to help the first year college student thrive and survive.
It’s on sale. Check it out here: Stay the Course
That’s it for now. Please remember to recommend a Bible verse for graduates in the comments section below. Until next time.
Immersed in His Love,
Candyce
A verse I like is, “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.” Philippians 1:6
That is a good one! It’s very easy to personalize it. Thank you.
I love these ideas. They are so wonderful. We don’t have any graduates these year but I will save this for the future Candyce.
Be well, Yvonne.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message, Candyce. I love your creative and thoughtful ideas to support our graduates. I’m praying for your grandson and all our graduating seniors. They are our future! Thank you for sharing Stay the Course. I’m so grateful for your support.
Your book is a wonderful resource, Katherine. I’m sure many college students have benefitted from reading it. The first year at college is full of unknowns and this handbook is a helpful resource, as well as the love and prayers of their families.
Congratulations on your grandson’s graduation, Candyce. A verse I would share would be Matthew 6:33, ” Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” In this world of distractions, we can only succeed when God is our priority.
Excellent suggestion, Barbara! Thank you.
Both practical and fun, Candyce. Love the candy bar idea.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
Thanks, Jeanne! Proverbs 3:5-6 has been a long-time personal favorite! If I had a life verse, that would be it. Perfect one to pass along to the next generation.