Graduation to Life

 In the coming week, high schools across the nation will begin hosting graduation ceremonies.  Universities and colleges are nearly finished with their celebrations.  On Sunday June 1^st we will recognize our graduates from Grace Lutheran at the worship service. 

 It is a time to celebrate. 

 The graduates celebrate for obvious reasons.  They have successfully completed their primary education.  They are taking a recognizable step into adulthood, where there is greater freedom and responsibility.  They are looking forward to exercising that freedom (and responsibility) whether their immediate path is to college, a trade school, the work force or the military. 

 Parents and families celebrate with the graduates with a sense of accomplishment.  They have survived the years of  adolescence.  Parents have watched, supported and taught their children (and will continue to do so) to reach this point of greater freedom and responsibility. 

 The church celebrates because this is a mile-stone for these young people and their families.  We have watched, taught and prayed for them and will continue to do so.  The congregation has endeavored to remind them that they are wrapped in the love and grace of God. 

 This reality of the love and grace of God is true for us all.  Sometimes we need to be reminded of it. Most of us will not be experiencing life changing events like graduation in the next few weeks.  Nonetheless, we recognize that change (large and small, slow and immediate) takes place in our lives.  One thing that NEVER changes is that we are wrapped in the love and grace of God. 

 Peace,

 Pastor John