Work hard to be one of God's graduates
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."
- 2 Timothy 4:7 (NIV)
This time of the year, the accomplishment of graduates comes to mind. Whether graduating from grade-school, high school, or college, we can relate to hard work that goes into the accomplishment of receiving a diploma.
Sometimes, succeeding in obtaining that diploma can be a harder task than normal. We all cheer and applaud the class valedictorian - and rightfully so - but what about the people who struggled and worked hard but barely made it through? There are others who, beyond adverse circumstances, have beat the odds.
This day, the memories of my graduation pinning ceremony from nursing are still fresh in my memory bank. I still get emotional as I ponder that day. In the midst of this special occasion, I watched as a classmate slowly stepped upon the stage. Her wobbling steps were steadied by the cane she bore in her right hand. As she approached mid-stage, the crowd of more than 100 graduate nurses stood to our feet as we let out shouts and cheers. As the roar trembled through the auditorium, we grabbed for our tissues to wipe the tear drops from our cheeks as we reminisced how our beloved classmate had suffered a stroke in the midst of our last year of nursing school.
We all wondered whether she would finish. But that day our hearts were touched with admiration as we realized that amid the battle she didn't give up, but worked more diligently than most. So as the shiny, silver pin was placed on her lapel, we are all in awe as she received the reward she had earned.
As the apostle Paul looked back at his life, he felt peace that he was finishing his Christian life with the satisfaction he had accomplished what he was sent to do. The Christian's goal in this life is clearly defined throughout the passages of Scripture. How we meet this objective may vary, but that we contend to the end is what matters.
Our job will not be completed until we leave this earth. Sticking with the race is the most important job. Imagine how God will could be accomplishing our mission. We could all be God's graduates.
My congratulations to all receiving their diplomas this year.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She is available to speak at your church or group. She can be contacted at (847) 543-8413; P.O. Box 532 Grayslake, IL 60030; or Annetteebudzban@aol.com. Visit Annetteebudzban.com. She will speak at the United Methodist Church in Zion Monday, May 22, and anyone is welcome. Anyone wishing to attend the salad lunch at noon can RSVP at (847) 872-5757. Anyone wishing to skip the lunch can come at 12:45 p.m. Annettee will speak at 1 p.m.