Graduations

I am in the middle of the second graduation ceremony in three weeks; grand events marking the passing from one era to another.  They mark a completion and a beginning.  It is as if each is being born anew.  I wonder what my parents felt about my graduations.  Now that I am here, in their role, I still wonder.
 
Even as I wonder about prior generations, there is many things that I know I know. I know that I am extremely proud of Whitney and Carli.  Each in their unique way has accomplish far more than I ever imagined.  Each is well into the process of becoming a young adult, with all the hopes, fears, uncertainties, and dreams that come with the process.  Each has a unique perspective of God that continues to reach and teach me in ways that I can only learn from one or both of them. 
 
It is an incredible experience in an way that I struggle to explain.  As much as I fear for the obstacles, bumps, and struggles I know will come, I take comfort in the words of the spirit.  “Children and grandchildren are like sand, your progeny like grains of sand.  There would be no end of them, no danger of losing touch with me [God].”  (Isaiah 48.19)  I find their perspectives of God different, challenging, and wonderful all at the same time.  I see their maturity as something that comes from God.
 
Today is the final event of this season in their life and mine.  I find myself remembering their early days – filled with wonder and curiosity.  In many ways nothing has changed.  Cherry and I will be there to enjoy the journey.  Like then, it is our job to stay out of the way.  It is their walk.  It is time for their flight.  We can be there in case they fall.  We can celebrate their successes.  We can laugh, cry, and simply walk towards a better future while living together in the present.  I look forward our time and times together, truly moments of God.