My Graduation

Only a few weeks ago, we celebrated Mothers Day  and I hope many mothers were honored. Though not marked on the calendar, another event will be recognized through the nation in different places, on different days and for multiple accomplishments.  I speak of GRADUATIONS!  Graduation is the ceremony of conferring degrees or diplomas at a school or college.  It is given to someone who has completed a course of study over a span of time.

I have graduated at two events--my first one from the high school in Sisseton, SD in 1935 and the other from North Central Bible School in Minneapolis in 1938.

Let me tell you about my first graduation.  We battled dust and drought in the "Dirty 30's" and often walked to and from school in the dusty darkness of so-called days.  The economy was affected.  At our graduation we did not wear costly caps and gowns.  The boys wore their Sunday go-to-meeting suits; and we girls wore cotton pastel-colored dresses. Mine was a pink organdy which my mother had made.

Some one played the piano as we 41 graduates marched through the auditorium, up the steps to the stage where the dignitaries were standing awaiting our arrival.  Seated, the program began.

You'll probably think I'm boastful when I say I gave the valedictory speech.  I think my classmates were as smart as anyone and I just passed them by a few more A's.  Well I gave my memorized talk and sat down. 

Immediately an usher was coming up the aisle carrying a large flower bouquet; she approached me and placed it in my lap.  Believe me, I was shocked. I noticed a small envelope tucked among some leaves.  I didn't pick it up, but waited until I hoped no one was watching me, then I pulled out the dainty card and on it was written "Your Admirer."

Well, that's when I lost the continued program.  Who?  Who? Who was this admirer?  Was it one of the boys in our class?  Or, could it be one of my teachers?  I was completely enveloped with "who's." I did not hear what the honorable guest speaker said in his 40-minute speech.  I rallied in time to march off the stage and out of the auditorium.  I found my parents and gave them my bouquet to carry home as all of us were invited to our superintendent's home for an ice cream treat. Remember this was the "Dirty 30's" and there were no elaborate home celebrations such as are held today for a graduate.

Some time went by and one day a lovely nurse, who often visited in our home, came and she told me she was my admirer.  I joyfully thanked her and told her of my many guesses as to whom I thought it might be.

There will be no graduation ceremonies in heaven. However the apostle Paul tells Timothy, his son in the gospel, of what his homecoming will be like. He says "The time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:6-8).  I trust you'll be ready.

But even greater than our homecoming, will be the vast company, together with the angels, singing unto the King of Kings.  Oh what a heavenly celebration.  I love the song which we can sing down here in anticipation of that heavenly chorus: "All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring forth the royal diadem and crown Him Lord of all."