Graduation Day. Now What?

The Saturday morning was gloomy with rain clouds hanging over head and a crispness still looming in the air at 9:30 in the morning. Despite the colorlessness outside, the inside of the auditorium was lively. Over one hundred voices chattered with whomever was close, unfading smiles on every face to be seen. Amidst the swirl of conversations, the shuffling of jittery feet beneath black gowns, and the laughs shared between classmates and friends, you could hear the occasional, “Wow, this is weird. I can’t believe it’s finally happening!” Before we knew it, we were called to order and everyone fell into place, feet rhythmically following feet through the bursting gymnasium to our alphabetically assigned seats.

Graduation Day.

And then, just like that, it was over. It was as if the hazy weather had made the whole day a blur. Moments passed surreally and nothing seemed to sink in. Diplomas were doled out, hugs held tight, pictures unceasingly snapped, and reminiscent stories shared until the clock struck midnight and the day we all had been anticipating for what seemed like forever officially drew to a close.

Life is funny like that. The moments we often so dearly want the most pass too quickly. The transitions we’ve been waiting for, nervously and excitedly, are often less noteworthy than we had anticipated. We desperately try to embrace the moment, to experience all of it, but, just like that, it’s gone.

Anticipations. Life changes. Transitions. Goodbyes. Hellos. Endings. Beginnings.

The clock keeps rolling no matter how we feel about these changes. Moments pass and we feel them fully or we feel as if nothing has changed at all. We can’t stop the process; it’s just life.

In the two months since my college graduation, I’ve thought back to my graduation day only a handful of times. I know the day was important, that it was a mile marker, the end of a chapter but not the close to my book on this side of heaven. However, it seemed so much more important leading up to it than it does now.

I think we all have moments in our lives like that. Graduations, parties, anniversaries, job promotions, moves, travels. Once the day arrives and snuffs out the anticipation we’d be clinging to, we can be left feeling really disappointed. We’re left craving more.

But, the more I think about those painful disappointments, the more cool I think it is.



What joy would there be in finding endless gratification in these worldly events?

I think our all-knowing God sometimes allows us to have these unrealistic expectations which lead to disappointment because it just reaffirms where we can find unending satisfaction - in the love found at the foot of the cross. In Christ, we have peace, fulfillment, love, mercy, family, support, protection, and so much more!

Sad? Christ will dry your tears.



Happy? Christ delights with you in your joy.



Lonely? Christ will be your support and friend.



Motivated? Christ will continue to cheer you on to your goals.



Disappointed? Christ promises contentment and satisfaction when we join Him in His perfect home.

Despite our fickle emotions on this earth, we know that we will be completely fulfilled in heaven.

Anticipation. It can be fun to imagine what the future holds and how our lives may change tomorrow, next month, or in the next ten years. However, the fact is that we don’t know. God does. We can be excited and eager for what is to come, but be ready, because sometimes our sinful flesh is going to be left wanting more.

Yet, there is something we should crave, should anticipate, should be excited about each and every day. The transition we only get once. The biggest life-change of all, yet the one that God assures us will not leave us disappointed.
 

The transition to our heavenly home.



The blissful eternity we get to spend with the One who loves us most. The be-all and end-all. The perfect peace. The constant contentment. The gracious gift promised to Adam and Eve in the beginning.

A Christian life completed. A divine diploma in hand. A celebration with our Father.

Now, that’s a Graduation Day we can all rejoice in.