Allie Propst, Cassie Bick, Cora Fulton, Kelsey Brown, Ben Hopper, Erica Engle—all six are fresh, brand new, diplomas-in-their-hands graduates. They probably have yet to return their rented caps and gowns!  (Get those turned in!  Your diploma may be rescinded!) 

Cassie, Cora, Kelsey and Ben are graduates of College of the Ozarks, as of last Sunday, Mother’s Day! Allie’s Hollister High School Commencement is Sunday, May 20, 3 p.m. at the Tri-Lakes Center on Hwy 248.  Erica will graduate Friday, May 18, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Missouri State University/Mercy (St. John’s) School of Nursing. Yeah!  Congratulations!  Way to go!  You did it! 

All six graduates might be saying, “alright!, finally!, we’re done!” I say “NO WAY!” Like new graduates, some of us in our spiritual lives are enticed to think, “alright!, finally!, we’re done!”  Graduations AND our Christian faith mean new chapters, starting points, continued learning.  Christian faith is a process of growth, exploring.  I like C. William Fisher’s book (and title) “DON’T PARK HERE”.  When it comes to spiritual well-being (same for new diploma-wielding grads) there is a “DON’T PARK HERE” sign.  The exception is IF we know everything about scriptures, God’s love, Jesus Christ, prayer, serving, humility, giving.  If you have a command of these things, let’s talk.  You can teach our new class “Everything you want to know about God’s love”. God’s blessings be with these six graduates!  The rest of us join you in not parking where we are.

Yet, my brothers, I do not consider myself to have “arrived”, spiritually, nor do I consider myself already perfect. But I keep going on, grasping ever more firmly that purpose for which Christ grasped me. My brothers, I do not consider myself to have fully grasped it even now. But I do concentrate on this: I leave the past behind and with hands outstretched to whatever lies ahead I go straight for the goal—my reward the honor of being called by God in Christ.                              {Philippians 3: 12-14; J.B. Phillips New Testament}

See you in God’s House Sunday as we open ourselves to encountering more of God’s gracious love offered us in Jesus Christ!  And then, sharing that passion with others!