Looking ahead to when I look back

On May 9th I will graduate from Asbury College with a degree in Communications and Leadership.

As the path of my life winds its way past the milestone of College graduation, I pause. I look back over my shoulder, viewing the sections I’ve already trod, from the very beginning where the shadows of earliest memory fade, then all the way back here to the point where I stand today. The memories stream in; strong as the warming sun they pierce the leaves of time like light through the trees that line this path I tread. The memories are good ones. Any lingering remnants of pain and difficulty in my historic mind simply lie forgotten, like the dead, fallen leaves of years past mulching the ditches on either side of the trail. The real memories, the things that inspire me in my journey here grow in living color along the trail, swinging like sprigs of flowers or branches of fruit to touch my hand as I pass.

These memories that touch me are people; I see in my mind the faces of friends whom I have known. I recall their helping hands given when times were tough, when I stumbled or couldn’t see the path. I see in my mind’s eye the faces of those who shared my life’s trail, who were adventurers together with me, finding joy in the journey. Perhaps you are one of these people; the memories I treasure.

Deep gratitude and glory I give to God, my Creator, my Savior, and in a very real way my Father. Special appreciation and honor I give to my mother, who has loved, given, and taught me so much, and to my siblings for putting up with me so long. I give thanks for several of the men in my life who have been role models and leaders for me, and for all the great friends with whom I have worked, studied, ridden bicycles and so much more. You are where I have gotten the determination to proceed through the last four years, so thank you.

I thank you for reading this, for participating in a way in this 21^st century rite of passage. As a cyber-reader, you are now a part of a special moment in my life. You are now a member of my community and perhaps will be one with whom I adventure in the future, creating memories to review at another pause in life’s journey some miles down the road.

Please begin this journey with me now by writing a comment on this post. Leave a piece of advice for me as a graduate, in fact for any graduate who may pass this way on the web-path of life. Tell us what you wish you had known when you were 21, 23, or 26. Or what you are now learning at 21, 23, or 26.

In Truth,

Stephen