By Steven Norris
In another life, I taught debate to high school students. Often, I would tell them that the team who manages to define the terms of the debate dramatically increases their chances of winning. Likewise, the manner in which we define important life terms can dramatically impact the trajectory our lives take.
This week, a number of local students will experience the joy of hearing their name called, walking across the graduation stage, receiving a diploma from high school or college, and setting out on a new chapter of their lives. To you, graduates, I would offer a few suggestions to help you develop a lexicon for the life ahead.
Heading off to college (or into a career) will likely bring a new sense of FREEDOM. I pray that you will come to understand that this is not merely a freedom from the restrictions of school, home, or age limitations. Rather, this is a freedom to live into the lives that God created for you to live. It is a freedom to use this precious life you’ve been given to make an impact on this world — to be creative and to make it a better place because of your presence in it.
Graduates, you are not intended to travel this road alone, but were made for COMMUNITY. Humans were created in God’s image — the same God who exists as a “community of oneness” (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Even though many of you may be leaving the community you’ve always known, don’t try to go it alone. Look for those who are there to help you and accompany you in this next chapter.
Leaving one chapter for another often means a shift in FRIENDS and other close companions. As you establish yourself on a college campus or in the workplace, I pray you choose your friends carefully. This may be the chance for some of you to hit “reset” and surround yourself with those who will push you toward success instead of distraction (or worse).
This is a time to consider your DREAMS carefully. Many of you have clear dreams for your future. For others, that is less clear. I pray that you may consider your gifts and unique calling. To paraphrase Frederick Buechner, God is calling you to the place where your greatest joy meets the world’s greatest need.
Maybe one of the most important words to define for yourself is SUCCESS. Is success defined by position, title, paycheck, or a series of letters after your name? Is it about holding power or influence over others? Let me suggest that a Christ-centered definition of success has to do with service. Jesus said, “I did not come to be served, but to serve.” Success is also about living with integrity — a “whole” life where your priorities and values align with your actions and ultimate goals. Success is about being the person God created you to be (no more and no less).
I pray for you, class of 2024. Define your words carefully, for they will dramatically impact the direction your life takes. May God bless the road ahead of you and give you all the wisdom you need.