Graduation Day
This afternoon, we attended my niece's high school graduation. What made an impression on me as I watched the professors hand out awards and certificates, was that so many students were awarded and recognized for their work. Of the handful of students who were not recognized for something, most seemed almost ashamed as they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. Why the shame? I thought. Every student in that school had a reason to be proud of their work. They had to have a certain level of achievement just to get into the school and in order to stay, they had to have a high grade point average. Nearly all the students had taken college courses during their high school years, and all had spent the entire year working on a difficult senior project which they had to complete with good marks in order to graduate.
What good are awards and accolades, I wonder, if 85% of the students receive them? And what of those who don't receive them? Are they less important? I don't think so. Contrary to what many believe, awards and high marks in school are not a guarantee to success in life. Of course, they help along the way. But if over 3/4 of the graduating seniors receive accolades, are they worth much?
And what really guarantees success in life? If we are to believe the speech of the top senior in today's graduating class, we command our destinies. It's all up to us. While it is true that there are consequences to every decision we make in life, there are just as many uncertainties that change everything. We can't determine natural disasters, untimely deaths, accidents or diseases. These things are out of our hands.
So what does that all have to do with accolades and rewards? Once those students walked off the stage with diploma in hand, the playing field changed. A good grade or award will do them nothing when a family member dies, their best friend is killed in a car accident, a child or spouse gets cancer, or a hurricane or fire destroys the family home. It will not guarantee them a good marriage, healthy children or a happy life. It will not guarantee them strength in adversity. When life starts to get tough, as it eventually does, it is faith in God that gives strength to make it in life.
My niece, though she received no accolades today, walked off that stage possessing the one thing that will guarantee she'll make it in life and in eternity. That is that is her love for God and her relationship with Jesus Christ.
What good are awards and accolades, I wonder, if 85% of the students receive them? And what of those who don't receive them? Are they less important? I don't think so. Contrary to what many believe, awards and high marks in school are not a guarantee to success in life. Of course, they help along the way. But if over 3/4 of the graduating seniors receive accolades, are they worth much?
And what really guarantees success in life? If we are to believe the speech of the top senior in today's graduating class, we command our destinies. It's all up to us. While it is true that there are consequences to every decision we make in life, there are just as many uncertainties that change everything. We can't determine natural disasters, untimely deaths, accidents or diseases. These things are out of our hands.
So what does that all have to do with accolades and rewards? Once those students walked off the stage with diploma in hand, the playing field changed. A good grade or award will do them nothing when a family member dies, their best friend is killed in a car accident, a child or spouse gets cancer, or a hurricane or fire destroys the family home. It will not guarantee them a good marriage, healthy children or a happy life. It will not guarantee them strength in adversity. When life starts to get tough, as it eventually does, it is faith in God that gives strength to make it in life.
My niece, though she received no accolades today, walked off that stage possessing the one thing that will guarantee she'll make it in life and in eternity. That is that is her love for God and her relationship with Jesus Christ.
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