From Ron Dunphy
Creston
It is that time again; already.
Spring is the usual time to celebrate the achievements of young (or older) students by honoring their school work in the exercise called graduation.
Throughout my lifetime I have had the opportunity to witness many people receive their diplomas or certificates. Many of these celebrations include the offering of words of wisdom, challenges and a pat on the back for learning the required material or skills. I have seen and heard advice given to thousands in person or have watched such available on the internet, usually by a person who has achieved much in their own lifetime.
This special gathering of family and friends however gives me pause. Just how much opportunity was offered the graduate; what class of importance might have been provided but was not? What did the graduate and parents desire that went lacking or was missed? Today I think of character; that part of everyone we observe in our lives that is very difficult to measure or “test.”
Character would include, at the core of our being, honesty, trustworthiness, curiosity, insight, kindness, bravery, faithfulness, humor and a degree of self-discipline. We should all wish each grad has already developed some degree of character.
Oft times we all get so focused on something important that we fail to notice something more important. I know I have missed acknowledging birthdays, wedding anniversaries, attending a funeral or a graduation because “I am so busy!” Hopefully we all have gained wisdom to build our futures on something most important. Wisdom to include the capacity to discern how to overcome the overrated.
Most high school and college grads will learn what they need in life after graduation. Hopefully during this period in their life they will have time to play, hike, explore, develop a hobby, attend church and develop many friendships. Life is not about competitions won; it’s about lifetime connections made. Ask someone who graduated more than a year ago how important their school friends are today.
May all of the graduates know and understand: The best days of their lives are ahead of them but also the worst days of their lives are also ahead of them.