Parents, teachers, students, leaders, volunteers, and their family members all around the CR Metro Area are rejoicing because the school year is finally coming to a close! For a little bit there I was worried we weren’t going to make it, given all of the school delays and cancellations. But here we are in May, making plans for graduation parties, checking off the dorm room supply list, solidifying plans for the next chapter of life. What a whirlwind of a year it has been indeed. In every transition we go through in life, whether that is heading off to college, or watching your baby walk out the door, or anything in between, we all desperately need Jesus.
Have you ever described someone by saying, “He needs Jesus”? Come on, don’t lie. Even if you won’t admit to saying it, you’ve definitely thought it. Honestly, I wish more people would say this to me! Because I do need Jesus and I need to be reminded of my need for Jesus. You need Jesus and you need to be reminded of your need for Jesus. Apart from Jesus, we have no hope, no future, or point in carrying on. We need to constantly refocus our minds on this simple truth.
Three and a half years ago I dove into the world of full-time student ministry. I cannot express to you the joys and frustrations that these years, months, weeks, days, hours, and moments have brought to me and my family. I am so thankful for each and every one of them. It has been in and through these moments of laughter and tears that God has been intentionally and purposefully conforming me to the image of Jesus, and I am so grateful to God for this blessing of perspective and the front row seat that I have watching him work in me and in others. If it was up to me alone, I would have crashed this cruise ship by now for sure!
In the last couple of weeks, it hit me that this class of graduating seniors has been with me since the beginning of Student Ministry at Veritas, three and a half years ago. So much has happened during this time. Students have moved away and others moved into the area; some have come to faith in Jesus and others have rebelled; some have battled sin victoriously and others have continued to struggle; friendships have been formed, rhythms have been established, disciplines were developed, and character has grown. Through it all, I have been made more aware of the simple truth that apart from Jesus, I can do nothing. I did none of that, Jesus did it all.
Parents, teachers, students, leaders, volunteers, and everyone else – I plead with you to not get lost in the hustle and bustle of life, the appointments, graduation parties, life events, goals, or accomplishments. Every season comes to an end at its appointed time by God, but our need to strive to abide in Jesus will never end nor be completely satisfied until he returns. Seek to stay rooted in the peace that surpasses understanding that is only found in knowing Jesus Christ our Lord. Like Jake said a few weeks ago, “Are you going to follow Jesus or do you think you have better things to do?” So get to it!
P.S. Seniors and parents, thank you for honoring me with your time and friendship. It has been a joy to watch God work in and through your lives these past years. Godspeed on your future endeavors. Cling to Jesus!
“…for his dominion is an everlasting dominion,
and his kingdom endures from generation to generation;
all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing,
and he does according to his will among the host of heaven
and among the inhabitants of the earth;
and none can stay his hand
or say to him, “What have you done?”
Daniel 4:34b-35