This is the time to be firm in your commitment to love God and love others to give of your time and talents whenever and wherever needed to be an example in life, speech, love and purity (1 Timothy 4:12). He needs you to represent Him as the King from another land, the King you hold allegiance to, the King who has your heart and your life in His hands. He needs young men and women of character and strength to be His ambassadors. This is a time to begin to accept responsibility for learning independently, a time to serve the Lord with the gifts He’s given you, a time to take your faith as your own, and acknowledge God as your life planner. Now, it’s your turn to take these next few years to give back to them by partnering with them and being a student that is willing to learn, one who is teachable, a person of excellence in character, and ready to give it all you have. Your parents have sacrificed so much to get you to this place, and have been willing to give all that it takes to educate you to this point. What has He already placed within you that just needs to be developed now for His use? Your theme verse today says, “Not slothful in business” which another translation states, “Not lagging in diligence.” This graduation from 8th grade into high school is not the time to be slack, rather to take the next step in maturity and move forward with your parents in gaining wisdom and direction. A time to really start seeking God for direction in your own life. Graduates, this is an exciting time in your life – a time between childhood and adulthood. Rejoicing in hope patient in tribulation continuing instant in prayer (Romans 12:10 – 12) It’s found in Romans 12 and I am going to read verses 10, 11, and 12.īe kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love in honor preferring one another Not slothful in business but fervent in spirit serving the Lord. But, listen carefully, because it’s very important. You’ve earned a break from quizzes today. There will be no quiz at the end this time. Grads, I want you to listen carefully as I read this theme verse. I’d like to start by addressing the graduates and then I will address the parents and all who have come to support and celebrate these young people. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful support group for home educators in your area that would provide this beautiful celebration. I, who never lack for words, stood before my son and couldn’t say even one word because of all the emotions and memories that were flooding through me in that moment. Last year, I graduated my first son from our high school, and it was a very emotional time for me. I am sure you are all very proud of these young people and very thankful for how far you have all come. Greetings parents and graduates! This graduation ceremony is a milestone for the young men and women gathered here today, but also a milestone in the life of the parents of these graduates. This was a year after my own first homeschool high school graduate. This reminded me of a graduation speech I was asked to give to a homeschool group that had a celebration for their eighth graders graduating into high school. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Psalm 90:12) But I have learned to number the days and pray for a heart of wisdom. I’d like to only remember the good times, but has it all been good? Honestly, there were many days of struggles, too. I can see back to his dimply cute baby face, then to his broad smile as he worked with his dad on manly projects. No matter how many times we go through this, it just seems surreal as each child’s life passes so quickly in front of my mind’s eye. At the same time, I am having an emotional crisis. As I type this, I am preparing for our fifth high school graduation and looking forward to the celebration of this milestone in our son’s life.
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