I’ve watched many members of the Bridgeport High School Class of 2018 grow from tiny little preschoolers to high school seniors; one of them being my youngest son, Jacob. I’ve become close to many; some who are close friends of his and others I have met and kept up with through the years.

 

I’ve tried very hard to pay very close attention to these kids during these past nine or 10 months leading up to their graduation. I wanted this last year of school to be forever embedded into my memory.

 

I’ve witnessed and learned about athletic achievements. I’ve heard wonderful stories about their community service, compassion and their diverse hobbies and interests. At Tuesday morning’s assembly, I was among hundreds of other parents and family members who enjoyed some of their musical talents and watched as millions of dollars in scholarships were awarded.

 

Every time parents get together, we talk about how much we love these kids and their support of each other. We talk about how we love hearing of their plans for college and careers, their hopes and dreams and how we believe they will stay close as a class in the years to come.

 

We, like parents of all graduating seniors, have been bursting with pride for our boys and girls, who seem to have grown up overnight.

 

I’ve enjoyed all the activities leading up to graduation, including a baccalaureate service held Tuesday evening at Fellowship Bible Church. I couldn’t soak it up enough; watching these kids worship together. Some witnessed to their student peers; singning and reading scripture and doing it with love and thankfulness to our God.

 

The worship music provided by the church’s praise band was so perfect. All the voices in unison singing praises to our creator and savior. There was no competition, no pressure to make good grades or score points on the field or court. There was no assignment to complete, no one to make an impression upon.

 

Pastor Sam Schwenk delivered an awesome message to the graduates that included a point he drove home beautifully. It’s OK to have plans and to work toward a goal, but the greatest thing we can do with our lives is to surrender them to God’s will; let Him take the wheel, so to speak. More important than scheduling the right classes or studying for those important exams is to listen to God’s voice as he guides us every step of the way. Pastor Sam told the kids they were made to love God; that He and He alone can fill that void that many try to fill with money, fame, power, importance and many other earthly things. Even relationships with those we love here on this earth cannot totally fulfill us.

 

I watched the kids’ faces as they intently listened. I felt a peace and calmness that I hadn’t felt throughout this whole ordeal thus far.

If there’s one thing I hope the class of 2018 takes with them wherever they go, it’s Proverbs 3:5-6: 

 

Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

 

Much love to the class of 2018, their parents, families and all who love and believe in them.