itsawonderfilledlife

 This past Friday I was honored to speak to the graduates of the school that my kids have attended, and I where I work. The following is (with the exception of memories of specific teachers, replaced with what was omitted) what I said, as I spoke to the grads, on behalf of the staff. I will miss this group SO!

Psalm 40:5 tells us, “Many, Lord my God, are the wonders you have done, the things you have planned for us”

And in the words of author Jane Austen, “This is an evening of wonders, indeed.”

I speak to you on behalf of the entire staff of this school; the custodians, administrators, coaches, international co-ordinators, educational assistants, office staff, secretaries, librarians and technicians, and councilors, and each staff member is cheering you on.

With the exception of a certain redhead, whose momma will make her remember, most of you will never remember who spoke at your graduation ceremony, or what they said. Still I am honored to speak to you this evening.

I have always felt a certain fondness for this class. I was there, as a mom, when many started kindergarten. In grades 7-12, I was there as and Educational Assistant, experiencing the learning and boredom of classrooms, hearing your secrets (oh yes I did, and I will be offering those secrets to your parents later … for the right price). Many of you have been at my home, eaten at my table, peed in my pool. I have scolded you, listened to you, hugged you … I have felt more like my job title with you was class mom, than EA.

Just three weeks ago, I sat in chapel, beside my co-worker, and two of my favorite grads, one who turned to me and did the Loser sign on his forehead … because sometimes love comes in the form of a capital L on the forehead. 

I started feeling reflective.

As a grad class, you are athletes (in and out of school), writers, artists, techies, scientists, activists, poets, foodies, mathematicians, musicians, theologians, gamers, historians, dancers, those involved in textiles, theatre, automotive, debating, woodworking, and social causes.

You are all uniquely created, with specific needs and strengths.

For most, if not all of you, the choice to attend LCS was not your own, but that of someone in your life who wanted you … their kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews, to appreciate that God is present and interwoven in everything from literature, to sciences, to automotive, to art, to history, as all of creation reflects the Creator.

It is our hope that you leave here with a better understanding of how the sacred absorbs the secular. How making a loaf of bread, acting on stage, fixing an engine, doing work experience, writing a poem, calculating math problems, can be an expression of God within you.

Although you may have been reminded directly and indirectly of the presence of God in our world, the context of school, even a Christian school, is such that you might be ready to walk away from our school feeling that you have received more judgment, than acceptance. If that is the case, this is what I, what we, want you to know.

God loves you.

CS Lewis has said,

“The great thing to remember is that, though our feelings come and go, His love for us does not. It is not wearied by our sins, or our indifference; and, therefore, it is quite relentless in its determination that we shall be cured of those sins, at whatever cost to us, at whatever cost to Him.” CS Lewis 

Like the Hound of Heaven (a poem I encourage you to read), God will pursue all of your life, for He who began a good work in you, will continue His work until it is finished.

May you leave here tonight knowing that He loves you, and may you leave here tonight not running from Him, but running the race with Him.

And now, if the grads would please stand, as I offer a blessing to you.

This is the blessing that God gave to Moses, to bless His chosen people:

“The Lord bless you,

and keep you;

the Lord make His face shine upon you,

and be gracious to you;

the Lord turn His face toward you

and give you peace.”

Amen