Wisdom for Graduates

Wisdom for Graduates
by
May 03, 2022

As we press forward into May and continue our wisdom series on the book of Ecclesiastes, I want to use this article to share some personal thoughts and wisdom with the graduates in our church. This is for those graduating high school, college, or graduate school later this month, preparing to move forward into life’s next chapter. Here are ten thoughts.

1) Because you have been in school during an extended global pandemic, you have experienced the true meaning of resilience. Resilience will serve you well in every stage of life and enable you to press forward even when you feel like you can’t.

2) Recognize that life is a journey and not a destination. The key to happiness is to enjoy the stage that you are in and not always long for what’s next. The present is a gift.

3) Attitude is always a choice. Although circumstances may be out of your control, how you respond and react is always in your control. Your attitude will either be an obstacle or an asset. Make it an asset.

4) Always surround yourself with people who will tell you the truth and make you better. The values of those around you can quickly become your values. The friends you make and the company you keep is very important.

5) Carve out regular time for prayer, quiet, and reflection. The pace and noise of our modern world can run you into the ground if you let it. Slowing down to rest is very important.

6) Always do self-care. Every person has physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual needs. Don’t neglect any of these areas. Nobody else can do your self-care for you.

7) Never stop learning. Life is a classroom, and we must keep learning every step of the way. The most successful people in life never stop learning and growing every day.

8) Recognize that life is full of change and change always involves loss. Change is inevitable but growth is always optional. Turn setbacks, disappointments, and dead ends into new opportunities. When one door closes, another usually opens.

9) Stay anchored in your faith and spiritual life, but recognize that your faith will change and grow over time. Our faith should evolve and grow as we get older.

10) Most of the decisions you will make in life boil down to choosing between love and fear. Love is always the better choice. Perfect love can cast out fear. When you find yourself afraid, try to love even harder.

I leave you with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous quote on success.

To laugh often and much;
To win the respect of intelligent people and
the affection of children;
To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure
the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty;
To find the best in others;
To give of one’s self;
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child,
a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and
sung with exultation;
To know even one life has breathed easier because you
have lived –
This is to have succeeded.
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Congratulations to all Woodmont graduates! We are very proud of you, and we wish you well on the journey ahead!

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