Make Room

 

Make Room

I just returned from a trip to Colorado to witness the high school graduation of my granddaughter Samantha, aka – Sami.  Afterward there was a party for family and friends.  The picture is actually the poster that was done by the school for the soccer team that Sami was the captain of.  If that sounds like boasting, allow me.  Her school awards jacket is filled with academic and athletic accomplishments. She is calling her shot!  Go ahead and take it, Sami!   

The graduation ceremony itself was very well done, and the speakers gave all of the usual encouragement for the students to make a difference in the world.  There is something about being in a room filled with hopes and dreams and talent that makes you want them to make that difference.  I was thinking back on my own graduation from high school, especially since it was fifty years ago.  I think wisdom, at least some wisdom, does come with age because those of us who can look back have the insight into how the world really acts and reacts.  It’s not mere theory any more for us.  Here’s a few thoughts that went through my mind for Sami and her classmates.

Although you may feel that you know a lot (no, sorry, not everything), high school really serves to wet your appetite for learning and seeking knowledge.  Certainly, there will be additional formal education and training.  But there is so much to learn that only comes from experience; that kind of education really shapes your life.

The world will insist that life is a zero-sum game, meaning that there is only so much success, love and life to go around, so you need to hit the ground running.  You found out through soccer that games are for competition.  When the game counts, there really is a winner and loser.  Life, when lived well, is not that way.  There is a reason why Jesus said that we should love each other as He loved us.  And He loved us by dying on the cross for us.  St. Paul, I think said it best, “Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped.  Rather, he emptied himself.”  Philippians 2:6-7  Jesus emptied Himself.  Until you know that you have truly emptied yourself for the sake of others, there is still more to give. 

Guardian angels are real.  The world tells you that angels are cute little cherubs and creatures of myth and children’s stories.  Hear how the woman who became the mother of Sampson describe the angel that appeared to her: “The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, fearsome indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name.” Judges 13:6 When the angel appears to them a second time he still guards his name   “The angel of the LORD answered him: Why do you ask my name? It is wondrous. Judges 13:18  God has a name just for you because you are wondrous. Until the day you learn that name, spend time each day in conversation with your angel, who as Jesus tells us, “they always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.” Matthew 18:10    

You may find that there is a difference between your vocation and your occupation.  For many, even for most people, they are different.  I worked for forty years and only with the final five years did my vocation and occupation overlap.  Since you plan to go into a medical field that may not be the same for you.  But remember that all honest work is holy.  That fact may help prevent you from getting frustrated.  If you want to know about good jobs, there are lots of job counselors around.  If you want to know about your vocation, ask God.  Your vocation has much to do with the reason that you were created.  Only He knows that.   

I had a friend who once was at a professional crossroads.  Both choices were potentially good, but there were also going to be challenges.  He prayed for the correct answer.  What he heard in his heart was God simply saying, “Whichever way you go, take me with you.”  God wants to be in your life; invite Him in.  That is the path of joy.  The rest is details. 

Grandma grew up on a dairy farm.  There was an unwritten rule in the farming community, that there was never too many for supper.  Even if the meal appeared to be on the meager side, if company dropped in unexpectantly, you made room at the table and invited them to share.  There is always enough fellowship and love for a second helping for everyone.  God’s table is like that.  There is always enough, and everyone who is already seated is more than willing to make room. 

May God bless your life journey.

His Peace <><

Deacon Dan / Grandpa