This is my last post dedicated to our graduates. A season has ended and now you are moving into an unknown tomorrow. I remember the words of a great educator who influenced my life as a teenager in college , ‘never confuse the beginning with the end’. This is the beginning of a ride that will take you on an eye-opening adventure. This journey is not meant for the faint of heart. I wish I could tell you that the road ahead will be paved with ‘all that glitters’. You will discover things about yourself and people that may surprise, disappoint or encourage you. Do not lose faith nor become callous and bitter. Be quick to forgive. Life will bring you some unwelcomed lessons- be a quick learner. Never forget those on whose backs you stood. Those who held your hand until you could walk on your own. Cherish the journey and never lose sight of where you are coming from. Be it a castle or a tent.
As a young teacher in my early 20s, I met these young men at a school I taught. They were all friends – and are still so today. I didn’t really know their story then. They always seem to find an opportunity to say something to me so we chatted quite a bit😁 . School boys are interesting people! A few years ago, one of them recalled an encounter I had with him. One I did not remember.
In my native country, students through high school are required to wear uniforms and abide by a dress code. Boys are required to wear belts. This young man told that he didn’t have much growing up and his grandmother [I think she was his guardian] couldn’t afford to buy a belt. He commented that I approached him a few times about not wearing a belt. He had explained that he couldn’t afford one and I guessed I believed him [not sure😂]. I promised to buy him a belt and I did. I think he is wearing it in the picture above.
This young man today is a very successful professional and business owner. Wonderful human being. So are the others. Loved by many. I don’t know how he did college – how he navigated the challenges of ‘not having’. Somehow, he did it. Sometimes that ‘small beginning’ , that place of ‘disadvantage’ may be a blessing in disguise. It helps to carve and mold us into people we probably wouldn’t have become, had our circumstances been different. Do not despise ‘ the days of small beginnings’.
I encourage those graduates who are coming from that place:
You fought long and hard
Faced insurmountable obstacles
You overcame
Confounded the nonbelievers
Those who said you couldn’t
Silenced the naysayers
Smiled with those
Who said you could
What lies ahead
No one knows
Go hard
Occupy that space
Carved out for you
Trust God
He has the blue print
You’ll never walk alone
Keep your dreams alive
Don’t ever let them die
Even if you are afraid
Walk on boldly
The road ahead
Waits for you
Here is a promise for the taking. It is for whosoever will. You can receive or reject it. The choice is always ours to make. As you meet the road ahead, you can do it your way or God’s way. You choose.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [Jeremiah 29:11]
***Thanks for checking in. Bless a graduate today.
Restored Hearts 