Seasons

Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 is an oft quoted passage of Scripture telling us about all the different seasons in life. “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heaven:” (NIV) Then it goes on to list them all.

It is graduation season around here in June. Yesterday, I saw a car with writing on it saying “Kindergarten Graduate! Honk!” There are lots of high school graduation parties going on this month. Each graduate celebrates thirteen years of activities and accomplishment. I was blessed to be able to go to my grandson’s graduation ceremony from High School. There were over six hundred in Joshua’s class. I was extremely impressed that they managed to have the National Anthem, speeches, a song by the choir, and distribute all the diplomas within two hours! Incredibly organized and much appreciated by all in attendance.

On a personal note, during the ceremony I had a sudden “Grief Burst” while just sitting there watching everything. Those who have lost loved ones can understand. I suddenly realized that this was the first of our grandchildren’s graduation ceremonies that I attended and that my husband, Bob, wasn’t by my side – smiling, laughing, and clapping. Bursts of sadness can come hard and fast when you least expect them like a sneak attack! But then I had to adjust and try to focus again, to think thankful, happy thoughts of the fifty-three years we had together and how proud he would be of Josh.

As I looked out over the arena at all the graduates in their caps and gowns, I was also struck by the incredible potential of these young people. Each one full of their own hopes and dreams, skills and talents; ready to be further developed and put to use in society and around the world. When they left that arena that day, they were like seeds being scattered that would bear fruit in different ways and various areas. Awesome potential for years to come!

Psalms 90 is the oldest of the Psalms. It is actually a prayer of Moses as he prayed for God’s grace on the people of God. Verse 16 says, “Let us see Your miracles again and let the rising generation see the glorious wonders You’re famous for.”  (Passion Translation) I love that!

That is my prayers too, not just for that class but for this whole generation!

My prayer is that the rising generations will see God move in miraculous ways and be powerfully drawn to Him and use their talents and abilities for reflecting and advancing the Kingdom of God to the world around them.

Are there some young people around you that you can mentor and encourage?

Let’s support them with our prayers and talents!