Perspectives

Oh, the places you’ll go, class of 2022

By Donna Putney
Posted 5/19/22

Do you find yourself humming Pomp and Circumstance this time of year? Can you visualize all the graduates dressed in their robes with huge smiles on their faces and yet a look in their eyes that …

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Perspectives

Oh, the places you’ll go, class of 2022

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Do you find yourself humming Pomp and Circumstance this time of year? Can you visualize all the graduates dressed in their robes with huge smiles on their faces and yet a look in their eyes that says, “Oh my goodness, what now?”  

As the mother of three grown children, I remember graduation as if it were yesterday. After the conclusion of the graduation ceremony, each of my children were given a book titled, “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” by Dr. Seuss. It wasn’t a popular graduation gift in the early 2000s, but I think it has grown in popularity.

Inside the cover is a blank page. Before giving my children their gift, I wrote a letter to them about being their mom, watching them grow up, how proud I am of them, and the places they will go.

There are so many lessons about life in this book that it reminds me of another book I cherish — the Bible.

The Bible is also filled with life’s lessons. But the two greatest lessons in the Bible are to love God and love your neighbor. This is truly the best advice we can give anyone.

As exciting as graduation season can be — not just for the graduate, but for family and friends who get to see their loved one achieve a major milestone — it can also be overwhelming. Graduation, whether it’s from high school or college, brings about a lot of change. After all, you’re saying goodbye to one phase of your life as you begin another. And while faith can be shaken in times of major change, it can also help keep a person grounded.  

Jeremiah 29:11-13 states, “I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me.”

This scripture tells us that the Lord is always with us. It tells us the Lord has a plan for each of us and will be with us through all the hills and valleys. Our Lord is our strength and our rock.  

Dr. Seuss says it this way, “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You’ll get mixed up. Of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left … you’re off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So … get on your way!” (Geisel, 1990: “Oh, the Places You’ll Go” Random House)

Blessings to the class of 2022. God has called you to do great things!

(Donna Putney is the pastor at Hope Lutheran Church in Powell.)

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