Can you hear it? Pomp and Circumstance, learned and practiced for many years by orchestras everywhere, bellows itself out into anticipatory crowds of anxious and somewhat relieved parents. They sit, with all the extended family, awaiting their offspring's march to the stage and listening for the calling out of their full and complete name --on the receiving end, a high school diploma.
But it's not the end, as we know so well. It is the beginning of dreams and goals, of adulthood and responsibility, of passion and heartbreak, of moving out and breaking off, of signing up and heading out, traveling, exploring and innovating.
What is it we wish most for this new batch of young idealists?
Purity. Culture bombards us every nano-second. The flat screens decorate almost every social gathering place. The ear buds hang from anatomy, the smart phone and social media... well, you know. Every one's opinion is broadcast, twittered, posted. Freedom of speech is an awesome privilege, don't misunderstand me. Are we so engaged in other's views that time is not spent in hearing and knowing our own thoughts? Nothing seems private any more. How does one keep themselves pure, uncompromised, steadfast and grounded?
Wisdom desires Discipline. Wisdom honors Righteousness.
Wisdom knows Grace.
Peaceful. To be full of peace, one must not dwell on controversy, on decisions, on pet peeves and unmet expectations, on hypotheticals and tomorrow's issues. Definitely, don't watch the evening news or get involved in politics. How can we keep the peace, live in the world but not be of the world and strive to make a difference? Seems impossible, for planning ahead is a part of wise decisions. God did not create us to stay inside the cocoon. Peace comes from confidence and knowing what we believe in is greater and sovereign. With God, nothing is impossible. It is a learning lifestyle captured with continous prayer, and celebrating the Giver of Peace.
Wisdom seeks Trust.
Gentle. Words sometimes are brash, harsh, wounding. The lack of words hurts deep as well. Gentleness is polite, respectful of self and others. Gentlemen and Gentlewomen smooth out the wrinkles, blot away at the stains, and clear the rubble with their smile, helping hands and controlled speech. Gentleness has others, their neighbors on their mind.
Wisdom covets Compassion.
Reasonable. To be reasonable is to be selfless, to know our agenda doesn't have to win out always. Reason has perspective and willingness to look at all sides. Reason does the research. Reason listens. Reason is why; it's the times we just don't know. Reason is patient. Reason waits. We are the Reason.
Wisdom uses Understanding.
Full of Mercy and Good Fruits. What is left in the wake? Encouragement and empathy comes alongside another and bolsters one up. Passion produces productivity towards positive change where before, hope had no meaning. A branch is pruned and the buds of spring produce fruit that feeds a village. Leaders develop new leaders, seeds of a lasting legacy.
Wisdom creates Inspiration.
Unwavering, without hypocrisy. No one is perfect. without mistakes, without some regrets, how can we learn? Forgiveness, front and center, the Lord above is full of Grace. Trustworthiness, Compassion, Understanding and Inspiration; may His Light become bright and shine upon the roads ahead. What do we want for our graduates? To be true to themselves and true to one another, to find Grace, find their own Spark in His Plan.
Wisdom reflects Integrity.
Solomon, the most wise among wise men wrote in the Book of Proverbs (9:10), "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." For this senior class, my hope for you is Godly wisdom and in that you may receive, grace, trust, compassion for others, understanding, inspiration and a life full of integrity. Whatever your path, with these traits, your legacy will make an ETERNAL difference and I am celebrating all the possibilities God places now before you.
Dear Lord, lead these young adults through the desert of uncertainty and into the promised land of your sovereign grace and will. May new leadership with a heart towards Your plan rise above and make You known. Keep them grounded in Your Word, surrounded by accountability by their peers and prayer warriors of the faith of their fathers as they develop their own story, chapters of Your wise counsel. Thank you Lord for the energy of our youth and the big world you've put before them. Help us not to give up when we see the deterioration of culture, but pray for these dear ones that seek to do Your Will, to make a positive difference in this world. May integrity of heart and soul give them strength for all their days ahead. Thank you Lord, Amen.
