Graduating

graduateAs the many invites to graduation parties are rolling in and commencement ceremonies are wrapping up, I couldn’t help but reflect on what graduating means. Graduation marks the end of an accomplishment. It’s the end of a long climb. Obstacles are faces and overcome. There is the sense that one has finally arrived.  Mission accomplished. As a self-proclaimed over achiever, I have experienced several graduation moments.

Today a child begins experiencing graduating at the young age of  5. First, there is preschool  graduation, followed by kindergarten, then elementary school and so it goes. While there is the acknowledgement of an achievement, there is also the looking ahead to what is next. Graduating is really about what’s next as much as it is about what has been accomplished.

We often approach our faith in a similar manner. We accept Christ as our Savior and feel like we have arrived. We have accomplished the goal. We have graduated and are now apart of the family of  believers. This is the beginning of an incredible relationship where God calls us to life that is greater than anything we can imagine.  It’s a great time to stop and reflect with God about the next phase of the journey. As much as we feel like we have arrived, God reminds us the journey is not over. The journey of faith lasts a lifetime. God is beckoning us onward.

12-14 I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back. Philippians 3:12-14 (MSG).

Paul, the writer of Philippians, reminds us in this scripture that God continually calls us forward. We are called to grow in our Christlike-ness. We are challenged to deepen our relationship with our Holy Creator. We are called to be light into a dark world. Faith is not a destination. It will have its ups and downs. Its mountain top moments, and its valleys. The key is Holy Spirit is guiding us through it all and showing us the power of love. We are all encouraged to spend time listening to God and reflecting on scripture for the next steps on the journey.

Have  you graduated into a relationship with Christ? Have you arrived or are you on a journey of a lifetime? Is it time to reflect on the road God has you on? What are you learning as you go? Share here and breathe life and bring hope to others.

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