Educational institutions everywhere in the world are celebrating. Students of every age and every grade are pleased the end of the school year has come. This is the season for graduation, a very special time for students and those who love them. Naturally all the pomp and circumstance brings a variety of emotions -- celebration, anticipation, sadness, and thankfulness.Just before I left for America I attended a kindergarten graduation in Turkey. The little ones were precious in their caps and gowns.
Some children will be entering first grade and others college, and some will be exploring graduate school options or preparing to enter the workforce. Varying degrees of transitions will occur.
On the radio I heard one graduation speaker give this advice: “Live, Live, Live!” and another speaker on a more solemn note offer these words of hope from Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you … plans to give you hope and a future…”
Visiting some old friends recently, Bill shared with me how he remembers when his job transferred him and his family from a small town to a big city. Preoccupied with unloading the moving van, the two children were left to play. Ada was 6 and very inquisitive and curious. Within a few minutes she had met the neighbor and also found some new friends. Full of excitement she tugged at daddy’s shirt, shouting, “Daddy, Daddy!”
“What, sweetie?” Bill answered.
“I like it here and like my new friends.” Curious about what she was talking about, Bill turned and looked. Ada pointed at her new friend who lived next door.
“It seems only a few years ago she was tugging at my shirt...” says Bill. Now she is married.
Where does time go?
Graduation season reminds us of many precious moments that we have had over the years. For many, when a child graduates it means our child-rearing days are over. Now the kids have the opportunity to stand up for their values and become responsible adults.
All of us are faced with challenges such as wondering what we are going to do with our lives.
Here are just a few tips:
* Decide what you want. You get what you go for. Life doesn’t just happen.
* Live your plan. Follow your spiritual purpose, not someone else’s.
* Dream. If you have got a taste of travel, go before it’s too late.
Some nationalities tend to not be risk-takers. Partly this is attributed to the society being more group oriented. All of us are faced with some major personal decisions. Most of us have some dreams. It is better to take risks when we are younger. If you wait, you may regret it later.
I once read an article that explained that living out your dreams is a lot like exercise. You build dream muscle over your lifetime that makes it easier to define and work toward your goals every time you try.
It is the same everywhere; we only have one life and it’s precious, so go for it!
Note: Keep your questions and observations coming: I want to ensure this column is a help to you, Today’s Zaman’s readers. Email: c.mcpherson@todayszaman.com
