Commencement -- a Season of Decision

Whenever we arrive anywhere, wherever we are is but a place from which to proceed to the next place. Those who have come to Commencement have arrived at this realization−for life is a process, and not a finished product; and so is learning−or should be−all of which is somewhat summarized in this quoted sentence:

“If you were graduated yesterday, and have learned nothing today, you will be uneducated tomorrow.”⁴⁹ This may, in a sense, seem discouraging, but in reality it is what keeps our interest in life fresh and alive.

Commencement is a season of decision−a season when those who have been pursuing a more or less required curriculum must now commit themselves to another course: what of employment−what further preparation to pursue−what of marriage−what of military service−what of many other matters. Facing such decisions isn’t altogether easy. It never was. But neither is it a time for unwarranted worry−for others before have also faced uncertainties and decisions, and have found their faith justified in the future.

To you who come to Commencement: Don’t expect everything all at once. Be content with taking the first good, solid step you can see. You can’t learn everything all at once; you can’t be everything all at once; you can’t acquire everything all at once. There is a certain seasoning and maturing process that must enter in. Let patience replace any disposition to panic; and in the process of arriving, resolve to enjoy what you have to do from day to day.

Be friendly and forthright. Give honest value to every person who employs you. Resolve to take responsibility to earn the right to be relied upon, to follow through. Don’t’ be tempted by shoddy and questionable shortcuts. Work hard enough each day so that you can settle down to sleep with a sincere sense of satisfaction.

Be grateful to loved ones, to those who have taught you, to all who have helped. Be grateful for everything that God has given, including life and work and truth and intelligence.

It is a good life. God gave it to you to live to the best of your ability. May you be blessed with wisdom in decision, with persistence in preparation, with willingness in work, and with peace and high purpose. And as you move on from Commencement, keep happiness in your hearts and have faith to take the further steps for fullest preparation and performance. And as past years have unfolded for you, so may you trust for the future.