Previous Challenge Entry
Topic: Graduation (08/30/04)
TITLE: In Anticipation of Graduation By B Price 09/06/04 |
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There were so many comparisons in our graduations but there were also many differences. We both struggled to get through each year of school. We each had our “ups” and “downs” and wondered if we would even finish school. We each had learning problems, Chris had ADD and I had speech problems and a problem that no one was able to diagnose. Back then no one fully understood about learning problems like they do today. I thank God that the school systems today are aware of learning disabilities. Even though there have been many advancements, some children still go through struggles because their problems goes deeper. The problem is the way we look at ourselves as a person.
My son, Chris, experienced such negative remarks like “you won’t be able to make it.” Boy, I could relate to him because so many people said the same thing to me. Despite those remarks, we each were motivated to prove them wrong.
We both wished that “certain” people were there, the night of graduation, to watch us achieve our goal. But, we were thankful for the ones that were there.
I shared so many stories of my struggles with my son throughout his school journey. I tried to give him hope. I also shed many tears and said so many prayers, just as my mom did for me.
On this night , I was recalling not only his life, but my own. My mind was venturing from my own graduation; me and my purple robe with a white collar to now Chris with his green robe with a white collar. I began wondering, “Oh, where has the time gone?” It seemed only yesterday that I brought him home from the hospital and now tonight...
My heart was pounding hard with excitement. I , like every mother there, just wanted to scream, “There’s my son, he has finally made it!” All my prayers had been answered. All the hard work to get him through school was paying off. Tonight he was crossing over from a student to an adult, and into a world of tomorrow.
That night there was also a difference, in our graduation service. Chris was graduating from a Christian School and the ceremony was at our church. This ceremony recognized each child as an individual and gave them honors for certain events in their lives. They celebrated their lives through pictures while they were being presented their diploma. The emotions were high just like it was for any graduation. There was also nervousness along with pride for the accomplishments they made along the way.
Today, as I recall my son’s graduation ceremony, I can’t help but think about life in general. I have come to realize that the best “diploma” we can receive is from the Lord. One day each of us will stand before the Lord, and take account of the accomplishments and failures in our lives. We will receive either a “passing” or “failing” grade. Our biggest test will be when the Father looks at us and calls our name or says “I’m sorry your name is not in the Book of Life.”
My friend, make sure you score on that test by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Savior. Then when the Master calls out your name, you will be able to receive the “diploma” of Heaven. You will then be able to look back at all the stumbling blocks that you encountered and all the hardships in your life and understand that all this was done for a reason. But in the end, you won’t really care for you will know that what truly matters is that you just received the highest “diploma” from the school we call “Life