Awww. It’s that time of year! Crazy caps and tassels. Long gowns. Longer speeches. Pictures of smiling kids. From Pre-K and K to 8th grade and on to the BIG one…High School graduation! (My world can’t even fathom college graduation! Eke!!) Our kids are growing up!
Jack Krein was a pre-K graduate. No big deal? Hey! That boy weighed 2 lbs. 2 oz. when he arrived months early! I was full of joy watching him sing every song and ring his little bell!
Matt Lambert graduated from 8th grade with high honors. No big deal? Matt and I share a common, sad bond…we both have lost our Dads. Matt lost his just last summer. Yet there Matt was, giving the President’s address and challenging his class to leave footprints that will lead people to Jesus.
Jordan Swanson, the master juggler, will be marching as a big senior this weekend. No big deal? Jordy lost his sweet Mom not too long ago and here he is at Ozark (Adventist Academy), being a kind and sweet leader.
Then there’s our own Cole Webb. Sorry, Jen! 8th grade graduation is the beginning of the end! Starting academy is the last turn before college and you know where that takes you? Right to the front door of Anxiety!
Anxiety is defined as an emotion characterized by an unpleasant state of inner turmoil. Inner turmoil, unpleasant indeed!!
How will we pay? What will they major in? What kind of job will that get them? Driving to Southern (Adventist University)? Oh my word! What if they marry a psycho? Their room will be empty. They’ll do their own laundry (hey, maybe things are looking up!).
Anxiety happens to us all. Some of us are naturally more laid back and some of us can really freak out! Some of us have already experienced serious events in our lives that can lead to more anxiety… what if it happens again? What if we lose someone else? Some of us are anxious about the future – our kid’s and our own.
Anxiety is a big business! Lots of therapies. Diagnoses. Medication. AND it isn’t new!
The Bible speaks about it with some good advice!
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Philippians 4:6
“Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” 1Peter 5:7
” An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” Proverbs 12:25
“When I said, “My foot is slipping” your love oh Lord, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.” Psalms 94:18-19
Sometimes anxiety is great within me too! But it only weighs me down. We weren’t built for it. I’m thankful He wants it. He wants all the fear and sadness. He wants our worries of the great unknown! And he wants to comfort us and give us joy! I’ll take it!
Congrats all you graduates! Good luck in your future endeavors! Remember your Maker does truly care for you and He will keep your foot from slipping on this new path you’re on!