Ask Not for Whom the Tassel is Moved . . .

Ask not for whom the tassel moves. It moves for thee.

I participated in a graduation, yesterday. I think it begins the season in this part of the world. Pacific Islands University is a small school in Guam that serves, mostly, Micronesian people--F.S.M. Marshalls, Palau, the Chamorros of Guam, etc. One thing that the people of this region seem to be especially good at is celebrating. When we arrived at the church building where our ceremony was held two vendors had already set up shop on the street near the venue. Here, the way you congratulate a graduate is with a lei (Mwara Maram, or something like that, in Chuukese). Only these aren't made of flowers--at least not only flowers--rather they consist of candy, toys, congratulatory messages and even money. I saw one graduate wearing enough candy around his neck to supply a prime location suburban home for a couple Halloweens.  The free enterprize-ers were selling these necklaces and other gifts. From the looks of our graduates, the sales were good. The word graduation implies a backward look. We graduate based on something done in the past. For some, the past was just the night before when they finished key assignments. Commencement looks ahead. Something new is commencing. One of the speakers at our graduation spoke of the graduates moving from the realm of students to that of professionals.  As I watched these students move their tassel from left to right, signifying that transaction, I was acutely aware of the transitions in my life. It's true about each of us. We are constantly moving from one thing to another. As we were honoring the graduates of PIU, a friend of mine was preparing to be involved in the memorial service for his wife. Some of my colleagues at PIU are moving and changing jobs, another friend is battling cancer, while some others who are dear to me are getting married in just a few weeks. Every moment of every day we live on the border of past and future.   Lord, help us to boldly step across the line, knowing what You have done for us in the past, and that you will not forsake us in the future. It's STTA (Something To Think About).  Find out about how the Son of God redeems our past, gives purpose in the present, and hope for the future, here.