Graduation!

 

          I stood watching the class of 2008 walk down to the stage last year while i waited with the rest of the choir to sing that year’s graduation songs.  I felt a beating deep in my chest.. something stirring me to overwhelming emotion. 

             This year, I stood with my class while i prepared to walk down the isle to receive the little folder stating I would be graduating.  I had been squealing all day but when it came time to walk, i grew quiet (as i do in all situations of intense unknown) and all I could say was thank you.  God.  Thank you.  My biggest cheerleader.  The one who lead me this way.  My coach, My protector.  My deliverer.  The one who held my hand while my fiancé and I broke up in junior year, The one who carried me when my mom died my senior year.  The one who never gave up on me. 

              Sure, I was proud of myself, but really.. All I was thinking was my deepest thanks to my Lord.  God, why are you so good to me?  Why did you give me such great dreams to live and let me see unfold before my eyes?  God what else will I do with your help?  The dreams that swirl around my head sparkle with the idea that they could actually come true.  Most importantly, God.. you told me before this even happened that it would indeed happen.  Why would you be so honest and revealing to someone who messes so many things up?  God.. Thank you for helping me get through school.  For making a bridge for me to cross stormy waters. God.. seriously.. Thank you for never giving up on me and walking with me every step of the way. 

            There is something beautiful and intimate about a God who watches you accomplish the dreams he put in your heart in the first place, knowing that he didn’t just send you away and come to graduation when you had finished.. No.. He walked with me.. and those times i couldn’t even Walk.. HE CARRIED ME.  I could have never gotten this far without his loving embrace.  never got across that stage to grab that blue folder. Never would have received that prize everyone keeps talking about. I am currently continuing my education here at Northwest University to receive my TESL (teaching English as a second language) certificate.  Then on to Alaska, to hopefully complete my CNA (certified nursing license) and my license to preach.. Then I will hopefully make the 9 and a half hour trip to beautiful Japan and teach English for a year.

            what does God have for me after that?  I don’t know.. but i am not in need and I am not scared.  He got me across that stage, he got me through some of the toughest times of life.. He will show me which way to go. 

Isaiah 30:21 says Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, "This is the way; walk in it."  and he is so right

 

--Jackie