Life Lessons from a College Graduation

Tonight I was able and honored to attend the college graduation of two upstanding Christian women. I am excited about what they have planned ahead and hope and pray that they continue to serve God wherever they find themselves.

1. There is no place like college. Whether a football game, lunch in the cafeteria, sitting in class, or graduation, there is no place like college. Love it or hate it, there is no place like college. It is an atmosphere like no other. Every campus has its quirks and traditions. Though lives could certainly be complete without going to college or university, it is indeed an environment that is unlike any other.

2. Take time to celebrate accomplishments. Romans 12:15, “Rejoice with those who rejoice.” A cheerful heart is a good thing. With all the hustle and bustle today, it is nice to stop and celebrate the achievements of the people who God has graciously put in our lives. When graduates crossed the stage for Ph.D.s, Masters’ Degrees, and Bachelors degrees, that moment was the finish line they were looking forward to for 4, 6, 10, or more years.

3. It is good to be with family and friends. Celebration would only be half what it could be if we didn’t have families and friends to rejoice with us. At the graduation, the parents, then grandparents, then aunts and uncles, then friends were all asked to stand with the graduates. As the thousands of people rose to their feet, I hope the graduates noticed all the people who loved and cared for them.

4. An individual or two can ruin someone’s night. As families anxiously waited on their loved one’s name to be called, there was a pretty good chance that name they waited on would be drowned out by an obnoxious fraternity, screaming family, or air horns. It is nice that they were there to support and celebrate, but it is too bad that their celebration was at the expense of others. As students imagined their graduation day for the years leading up to it, I doubt that they imagined their name being drowned out by air horns as they received their diplomas.

5. College is a stepping-stone not a destination. Even though it takes some people 6 or 7 years to get an undergraduate degree, college should only be the next step in life. Though graduation is a time to celebrate, if it is the greatest accomplishment of your life, your life is a failure. School is where we are educated. Education means nothing without the action to follow it. Education has never made a successful life nor for a life pleasing to God.