Daily Reflections on Ps. 119:1-16 (A Word To All Graduates)

My baby was graduated from high school this week. It won't be long before she heads off to college three hours away. Yesterday she was just a little tike taking off her own training wheels. And now, there she was marching down the aisle in her gold cap and gown. They didn't play the typical, "Pomp and Circumstance." But she did get her diploma and now the next phase begins.

I'm not sure on whom it will be harder, mom and dad or daughter. There will be some loneliness for both I'm sure. My daughter hasn't spent a whole lot of time away from family on her own. Leaving her at college by herself is going to be a challenge for all of us. But the little birds must leave the nest, stretch their wings and fly on their own. It's all part of life.

I remember my high school graduation all those many years ago. I dashed off the football field, turned in my cap and gown and bolted for my car. I beat my parents home where they had planned a little reception in my honor. Two weeks later, I hopped a plane and flew 1,200 miles back to Illinois where I had lived most of my Jr. High and High School days. I was assured a job there so I could pay for school.

I was on my own. I never lived at home again. In fact, my parents moved later that year to new city. I didn't know where they where living until Thanksgiving. It was a weird feeling sitting on that plane before we left the terminal. I knew that I was out of the nest. Decisions were all mine from now on. No longer were my parents in charge of my life. I had longed for this opportunity, but now that it had arrived, well let's just say my stomach turned over.

The opening words of the psalmist in Psalm 119 have been of valuable guidance for me, especially in my early years of life on my own. It helped me with my decisions. I offer it as sound advice to all graduating seniors on their way to college or career. Verse 9 really stands out, "How can a young person keep their way pure? By living according to your word." Within the pages of God's Word is instruction on how to do life to gain the maximum enjoyment, fulfillment and the least heartache. My train wrecks through the years have been when I ignored God's teaching.

God, I'm not a young man any more, but I find I still need the teaching of your Word to guide my life. Thanks for giving us your Word from which to learn, grow, and really live.