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Happy Fourth of July. I originally planned to finish this by graduation or even senior chapel, but oh well; at long last, here it is. I doubt anyone will actually read through this whole thing, and I don’t blame them; it’s a bit tedious. However, I have the utmost respect for those who do. Anyway, it’s here for whoever needs it. These are only my words, my opinions about the end of high school; you may take them or leave them.

A Conclusion of a Chapter in Life

Wow, is it not amazing where we are right now? It seems like only yesterday we were only meeting one another and getting to know this school. Yet here we are, during one of the last days we will ever spend on this campus. I find it hard to realize that from this point onwards, our lives will never be the same. The lifestyle we have been living for our whole lives thus far will cease to exist. Once we take a step past this point, there few opportunities to turn back. And with each step I take, I feel that my footsteps carry a burden of increasing gravity. It seems as each subsequent decision means more and has a more permanent effect as I make it.

College in particular has frightened me as I realized that my decision regarding the next few years of my education can determine the course of my entire life. Countless nights, I have kept myself awake fretting about the different paths I could take and the possibilities of each, and even when I perceived my future to be clear and believed with all my heart that it was my purpose to run and open one special door, the one that was sure to be mine, I ran into a concrete wall.

As I picked myself up, still seeing stars and a possible future, I wondered why I had not succeeded. I thought it was my fate to walk down that path, to reach accomplishment in that manner. I became cynical, angry. It is funny, how sometimes we say we love and trust the Lord with our lives when they are good, yet become infuriated when they become laborious or dissatisfactory in our own eyes. If there is something I hate, it is hypocrisy, and at that point, I knew that I had no reason whatsoever to be throwing my selfishness at God and declaring Him to be the source of my failure.

One thing I have learned is that my life is not my own. I did not bring it into existence, and I am in no way deserving of another breath. It is by the Lord’s power and grace that I am able to think how am able to think, hope what I hope, and dream what I dream. Yet through His love I, as a human being, am not obliged to do anything for Him. He has instilled a freedom, an ability to choose, in all of us. But as one who has faith in Him, it is my duty to live a life that is not only pleasing, but also glorifying to Him. Though my works can never make anything of my sin, I need to reflect my beliefs through how I live. The actions I do, the words I speak, the attitude I convey, they all must ultimately serve to give glory to God. And I believe that through faith, not only am I saved, but my life is provided for. Given this, I really have nothing to worry about. As a supplement to what I said earlier, we also must surrender our lives when they are as we desire them to be. Even when they are good, we cannot take possession of them. Whether times are bad or good, we must trust the Lord to guide us. I may seem naïve or perhaps even foolish, but my point is that there is no use complaining or worrying about strife. Sure, it would be rather imprudent if we were to do nothing, but if we do what we can, what else is there to do? Thus, I have learned to “go with the flow.” Whatever is the will of God will happen no matter what.

In my college decision process, though it was stressful, I had confidence that there must be a reason why I was in the position I was in. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Many questions still arise in my mind as I wonder what could possibly come out of my future, yet I am assured that there is a plan for me, that my life is not meaningless.

It is amazing how much God has provided for me these past few years, and it is even crazy to realize how my life has unfolded. I cannot even begin to comprehend how the Lord has brought things together, knitting my story stitch by stitch. The places I have been, the people I have gotten to know, the opportunities I have gripped, I can only stand back awestruck and praise Him for all He has given and done. And I can be sure that He will continue to mold me in the years to come.

As you go off into the world to make something of your lives, I ask you a question: Why? What is the reason you pursue your goal, whatever it might be? Whether you you are a Christian, atheist, or of another religion, I wish to exhort you to do it for the right reasons. Why might you be pursuing a degree in a certain field of study? Why do you strive for artistic or athletic success? Is it to chase after a reputation, a name, or a label? Does a more impressive prefix make you a better person?
I urge you think about your future. Do not decide upon a career for the wealth or power it will bring, but for the experiences you will go through and the knowledge and wisdom you will gain.

One thing which I hold to a high standard is thinking critically. I believe that the ability to ponder and contemplate is one of the most valuable and powerful things a person can have. It is this ability that separates us from the rest of creation. Other creatures can rationalize, but we are able to speculate, reflect, and philosophize. I think we need to treasure this gift and not let it go to waste. Thus, in everything you do, I encourage you to think critically about your actions and your beliefs, no matter what they are. Learn the methods to come about a solution rather than the conclusion itself, the thought process rather than the end result. Knowledge can only be memorized and used once. Wisdom can be applied to different situations and used to solve many more problems. It is more important to know how to think than what to think.

I leave you with this: Do not be afraid of what is to come, for if you trust the Lord with your future, you might experience hardships (I will not lie, for most likely you will.), but ultimately your path will be made straight. What is there to worry about? As you walk up that path, strive to make the most of your time here on this earth, however long it might be. Use the talents you are blessed with to create something beautiful. Contribute something to the world. Leave a legacy for generations to come. I hope you live a blessed life.

And so ends a chapter in life. And so begins a new one.