In My Seat

"...Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures." (1 Cor. 15:3)

HT: Verle Helsel

The Glory of Failed Expectations

Last Saturday, The River Academy graduated its seventh class of seniors. In stark contrast to my own commencement in 1975 this ceremony was both encouraging and edifying. King's Cross deacon (and full-time teacher at TRA) Scott Welch, was one of the teachers selected by the students to address them as they matriculated. Scott's offering was not recorded, but he has graciously provided his transcript (below.) Enjoy.  

I want to start by saying “thank you.” Thank you to the seniors for asking me to speak to them on such an important occasion. Thank you to their parents who trusted me to teach them for so many years. And thank you to all of the family members that came to support these young men and women here at their commencement.

I am going to be honest with you... I don’t remember my commencement speaker. I don’t really remember my graduation. But I don’t even remember who spoke let alone the deep message he probably thought he was imparting to my class and me. This has two effects on me as I think about being up here today. First, if I give bad advice, it probably won’t ruin your lives. But, second, I like a challenge and I want today’s message to be memorable. Not because it is my message, but because it is true. We will see if I succeed.

I want to talk today about 2 things that you can expect about your future. First, that almost nothing goes as you expect it will. And Second, that when things don’t go as you expect, look there for the clearest direction from God.

I graduated from High School in 1990. I imagine the young people are thinking I am really old and the older people are thinking I am really young right now. That is the benefit of being middle aged.