Chapter After Chapter

I still cannot believe that it was over one year ago that I walked across the stage to receive my diploma from Cedarville University and become a college graduate. It baffles my mind to think that four years of college education came to a conclusion, and that I started the next adventure, over a year ago. Now, all the students who entered as freshman during my sophomore year have graduated and began their next adventures in the world, and the youth that I started working with last year are graduating. Where does the time go? I feel as though so much time has passed, and yet no time at all. Is that strange? So many of my friends are now married or engaged, others are preparing for college, and some are going on to grad school. Many of my friends are living their dreams - the same dreams the talked about during our years in college.

I attended the graduation party of one of the youth group girls this afternoon. She is someone who reminds me a lot of myself in some ways - she loves acting and modeling, and is going to take a year off in order to afford college education, to follow her dreams. I may not have taken a year off, but I did insist on following my dreams, and it is because of this, that I see a lot of myself in her. I only pray that she will continue to remain close to God throughout all of these new adventures, and that she will always follow her dreams - no matter what.

On the drive home, I began to think back to my own graduation party five years ago. (Dang, was it really that long ago...?) So many people were supportive of my wanting to attend Cedarville, supportive of my wanting to be involved in theatre, and were convinced that it was the place God wanted me to be for four years. I think back to the cards that were received, which I still have in my room, and all the encouraging notes that were written. Notes of how God was going to use me for big things in the future, reminders of how strong I have become over the years, and encouragement that there would be many prayers for my continued strength and faith in Christ. I remember feeling so loved, so treasured, so much like everyone wanted to see me succeed.

Now that I've graduated, what am I doing to live out those warm wishes for success? It seems like so many warm wishes are given around graduations, but what about the rest of the time? Of course we all need encouragement around graduation, and it's awesome to know that others are celebrating with us - believe me, I am not downplaying the importance of sharing in such excitement! I am merely wondering why it is that so often we don't (or just "forget") to encourage and share in the excitement of day-to-day life? Doesn't everyone need some encouragement during the difficult times? Doesn't everyone like to know that others are celebrating in the little victories that make a huge difference in future? I think we should always be willing to share an encouraging word, pray with a friend who needs it, and celebrate with those who have triumphed over a challenge...even if it seems small to the world.

Maybe I'm just feeling this way because, even with having a four-year degree, I am still working in a restaurant. Maybe it's because I don't really feel like I'm using the knowledge that was poured into me during those four years of college. Or maybe it's because I recognize a need that should be filled in the world, and that friendships should be treasured - because new adventures come along, and sometimes those new adventures take people away from us.