The Bitter-Sweet of Graduation
The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul...Proverbs 13:19a
The memory of the just is blessed...Proverbs 10:7a
"Bitter-sweet" are the emotions that I experience at each of my children's high school graduations. So many thoughts and feelings flood my mind and heart, as my husband and I meet our graduate mid-stage to personally present each with their diploma.
The diploma program to which we belong hosts a beautiful and moving graduation ceremony each year in the city of our state capitol. Graduates from every part of our state come together to celebrate the culmination of their homeschooling years. Fathers, mothers, siblings, relatives, and close friends all join in attendance in a show of support for the graduate.
The large auditorium has more than enough room to accommodate the hundreds of attendees who have come to watch the graduates "walk the aisle". All are then privileged to view a presentation of talent in words and music. In my thus far, four graduations, I have witnessed dynamic speeches, family musical groups, guitar and harp solos, and even stage acting and magical illusions – all in a representation of the many-faceted gifts and abilities of homeschooling families.
In scanning the auditorium I perceive a kinship with every parent present. On each face there is a display of pride, not in a sense of self-esteem, but rather, one of delight and elation in the awesomeness of God's power in the life of their child. For Who, but He, could have led us into the wonderful homeschooling journey, and have accomplished so much in our child's life.
But amidst the joy and excitement, I am also aware of a note of sadness. For under the long, flowing gowns and beneath the square, tinsel-laden caps, in our hearts we still see the dear, sweet-smelling infant that we tenderly carried home from the hospital. The small, dependent child who cuddled beside us on the couch is ever-present in our thoughts. And the vulnerable, independence-seeking teenager is still perceived as attempting to break out of his shell.
Yes, it is a bitter-sweet moment and one that I experience with every graduation. The uniqueness of each of my children is felt, as my husband and I meet our child mid-stage. Then, amidst tears and exhilarations, we present the diploma, slide the tassel from one side to the other, and then hug in a public display of our affections and pride.
Homeschooling is a journey of faith, relying each day on God's Power and Might for the strength and wisdom to travel its course. And it's at graduation time that I realize the full extent of His Grace and Mercy in my life in bringing me to the end.
I praise the Lord for the privilege of homeschooling and for the gift of time that He afforded me with each child. The opportunity to deepen our relationship, to form lasting memories, and to be a part of shaping a life for Him, are eternally priceless!
Prayer: Oh, Lord, each time I experience a child's graduation, it is with mixed emotions - thankfulness for Your ever-present help and guidance, and sadness, that the homeschooling journey for this child has ended. I pray that the bond, which was formed in the homeschooling years, will continue through life, and draw us ever closer to You and to each other.
