I have attended a lot of graduations over the years. Some were for family members, but most of them were for members of the congregations I served in my ministry. Although there were a few university graduations, the vast majority were High School graduation ceremonies. And even though I am now retired, this year was no different. Last Friday I was attending the graduation of a young lady to whom I had administered the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and then led through her Confirmation of faith.

She was graduating from a Christian School in our area. The Valedictorian spoke of the influence the staff and teachers had upon them, and quoted this passage.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.”  Hebrews 13:7

It was a nice tribute.

While I was there, Cheryl was attending a graduation about 30 miles away. The last four years of her teaching career she taught 5th grade in Anna, Texas. The first class of 5th graders that she taught there graduated this year. Even though she had not seen most of these kids in the past seven years, student after student came up to her and hugged her and thanked her for being “their favorite teacher.”

 

She was overwhelmed. I was not surprised. She has a gift for teaching and reaching students. And even though she taught in public schools, that did not stop her from being a light for Jesus. The kids and other teachers saw that in her, “the outcome of her way of life.” It made a lasting impact on them, which is why they were so happy to see her.

She will be mortified that I shared this with you today. But I do so because she is a prime example of being a witness for Christ in her everyday living. No, she is not perfect, and she knows that. She also knows she is a forgiven and redeemed child of God. She believes that Jesus died for her sins and rose again to defeat death for her. She knows He is seated at the right hand of the Father, ruling this world for the benefit of His children, and that He is coming again to take the faithful to Himself. That shows in the way she lives and acts and speaks.

That Valedictorian’s speech reminded me how important it is for all of us to:

“let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”  Matthew 5:16

And I thank God that I have a wife he shows me how to do that.