Dear Class of 2014,
I graduated from Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nevada in 1985. (You can do the math to figure out my age!)
Some four years later, I graduated from University of Miami’s Music Engineering Technology program. (Go ‘Canes!)
Lastly, and most notably, I graduated from Calvary Chapel Bible Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Each time, I sat in a room with my fellow students, received my diploma, and listened to the commencement speaker. To be honest, I don’t remember too much of what the they shared with us, the recent graduates. I am sure they did a good job at communicating important principals of living life, achieving goals, and chasing your dreams.
What I do remember quite clearly are the emotions of freedom and joy in accomplishing this momentous goal mixed with uncertainty and nervousness at what lies ahead.
Graduation certainly is a significant milestone in life.
Before you begin the next chapter in your life, class of 2014, consider answering these questions.
1. What is the purpose of life?
That’s no small question!
The two greatest days in a person’s life are the day he was born and the day he finds out why he was born.
You were born to bring God glory. You were born to live for Him. You were born to know Him. That can only happen with a relationship with Jesus Christ. Make Him yours; call out to Him. If you are not saved, ask Him to save you from your sin right now.
Some people spend their whole life searching for purpose. You will not find the correct eternal purpose without knowing Christ and having a relationship with a loving, heavenly Father.
2. What is God calling me to do?
Nora Grey wrote, “You must have an aim in life if you want to make a hit.”
What are you aiming for? What do you want to accomplish? Make a million dollars by the time you are 30? Get married and travel the world?
Any goal you set without seeking God is likely to bring frustration and failure, or selfish pride. Make sure God is at the centre of your plans. God made you unique. He gave you special skills and abilities. He did that for a reason. Ask Him! Then listen. Don’t be an hurry. He is able to lead you, to guide you, and, yes, to give you the desires of your heart.
So, class of 2014, keep Jesus boldly at the centre of your life. Then, you will have no regrets and, I believe, you will find yourself living right in the middle of His plan.