The Graduation of The Little Sun
(My oldest niece, Hailey, recently graduated from high school and asked me to speak at the ceremony. In honor of her graduation, I am sharing my speech.)
Isaiah 42:16: And I will bring the blind by the way that they knew not: I will lead them in paths they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things will I do unto them, and not forsake them.
Isaiah wrote this somewhat obscure verse thousands of years ago. But does it have anything to say to our graduates on this commencement day? I think it does and will share a few thoughts on it in a moment. First, let’s briefly look at the origin of the word, “commence.” According to etymonline.com, commence entered the English language in the Middle Ages from Old French. It means, “to start, to initiate, to cause to begin to be.” However, I would like to note that it arrived originally from a Latin word, meaning, “to initiate as priest, consecrate.” For American English, it became commonly used in the 1850s at ceremonies similar to the one we are at today.
Why look at the history of the words “commence” and “commencement”? To sneak in one last-minute school lesson before you receive your diplomas? No, I wanted to point out that the original meaning of “commence” in Latin speaks of a holy consecration to the Lord. Since this is your commencement day, it would not be remiss to say that this day not only means the end of your journey through high school but the beginning of the next step in your life. I urge you to always keep in mind that your journey is holy and sacred, for your steps are ordered by the Lord.
On this note, I would like to return to the verse I quoted. This has long been a favorite of mine, as I find it very comforting, inspirational, and hopeful. Why do I think this and how does it apply to today’s ceremony? Because you may at times find yourselves blind as to the best way to go in life- whether to continue with school, careers, relationships, or any number of other things. At times, God may lead you in paths you don’t know or never considered. Other times, you may misstep and your path becomes crooked, either by a mistake, an opportunity that slipped away, or an expectation not met. Someone may let you down or you may disappoint yourself.
But always remember: even if your path becomes crooked, even if you can’t clearly see the way ahead due to the darkness of the hour, the darkness of doubt, or disappointment, God is faithful to make the darkness light before you and crooked things straight. If you veer off the narrow path He has for you, look to Him to for guidance to lead you where you need to go. Though disappointment may come, remember, you can’t disappoint God because He already knows all of your days and steps. He will be faithful to lead you, to make darkness light, and to make crooked things straight. Best of all, He will not forsake you for He is always with you- just as He has been throughout your life.
Hailey, I will never forget the day you were born. It was something of a troubled and dark time in my life. We had to take your mother to the hospital the day after our last blizzard. Instead of the usual 30 minutes, it took 90 minutes to get there. I sat in the waiting room trying to occupy my time with a book. I forget which book, but the room was very crowded, I was separated from the rest of the family, and it was hard to concentrate because of the crowds, my personal troubles, and the anticipation of waiting on you. Little did I realize I would have to wait 6 hours. Yet, when your life commenced and I finally met you, it was all worth the wait as my troubles, despair, and impatience were overcome by your smile. It so affected me that later that evening, I wrote a poem commemorating the moment and honoring your birth. The poem was called “Le Petit Soleil,” or “The Little Sun” in French. This is what you what you have always been to me and always will be.
So, on this the holy day of your graduation as you begin the next steps in life, I hope both of you know how grateful your families and friends are for you and how proud we are. I also pray you experience the fullness of the promises of God found in Isaiah 42:16 and the nearness of God as He walks with you throughout life. May the Lord bless you, and keep you, the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious unto you, and The Lord life up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.