Every step is a graduation

“Every experience God gives us, every person he puts in our lives, is

the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.”

-- CORRIE TEN BOOM

In his later years, Winston Churchill was asked to give the

commencement address at Oxford University. After his introduction, he

rose, went to the podium and said, “Never, never, never give up.”

Then he took his seat.

Last weekend was momentous for more people than I know. Some

people told me they were going to their child’s graduation from

preschool, and others spoke about a child or a relative who was

graduating from kindergarten. I also heard about graduations from

just about every grade, including high school and college.

I remember our daughters’ “moving up” or graduating from those

grades, too, and I probably still have all the programs to prove it.

If I pause and close my eyes, I can practically picture each and

every one, and if I can’t, I certainly have more than enough photos

to refresh my memory.

I prayed with and for our daughters at the beginning of each

school year, as well as every single day thereafter, and thanked God

for his love and faithfulness as each year came to a close.

I took countless pictures last weekend when many of my family

members and I attended two significant graduations.

On Friday, my nephew John graduated from the eighth grade. It was

the same school his brother Matthew attended, and it was just the

right school for them in their years from kindergarten to eighth

grade. We were proud of John and his many accomplishments and

positive experiences at his school, and it will be fun to watch him,

pray for him and cheer him on in his high school adventures.

One of the speakers at John’s graduation pointed out that as

kindergartners, they dressed up as Pilgrims and Indians, and now they

are heading off to high schools with different names and mascots, and

in another four short years they’ll be off to college or other

pursuits.

I smiled when he said that, because sure enough, it happened to

our daughters in what seemed like only a blink of an eye. My husband

Jon and I then drove north for our youngest daughter Amy’s graduation

from college.

Other family members joined us and we enjoyed several ceremonies,

speakers, events and celebrations. We looked at pictures, took

pictures and reminisced. Amy and her friends, as well as many

speakers, shared stories and memories of their college years. Both

our daughters had wonderful college educations, experiences and made

quality friendships that will continue the rest of their lives.

At both graduations, we heard about the importance of values,

education, family, friends, decision-making, self-respect, service to

others and many other important qualities. I also heard people talk

about the role God makes in their lives and their choices.

While packing to head home, Jon and I talked about the weekend. “I

guess we graduated too, Cindy.” he said.

He was right. I guess we all graduate from something a little bit

every day. Our nephew and our daughter have already eagerly headed

into their next stage. It’s time for me to embrace my future with

faith and joy, never ever give up and trust God with every new day.

And you can quote me on that.

* CINDY TRANE CHRISTESON is a Newport Beach resident who speaks

frequently to parenting groups. She may be reached via e-mail at

[email protected] or through the mail at P.O. Box 6140-No. 505,

Newport Beach, CA 92658.