A Hero's Journey

John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; I do not give it to you as the world does. Do not let your hearts be distressed or lacking in courage.” 

When most of us think of graduation, we think of kids. Whether it’s kindergarten, high school, or college, the connection with graduation seems inextricably linked to the young. And this makes sense because the thing we think about most with young people is what they are going to do. Who they are going to become. Where they are going to go. There’s so much potential and future, and it’s exciting to consider. The future is where hope dwells, the future is where dreams are possible, it’s where people can become someone, or do something that will greatly bless others. 

We all have futures, and we are always graduating into new opportunities and seasons of life. To think we only have exciting futures when we are young, well, that isn’t from God. (Remember Abraham and Sarah. They had their whole future change around the age of 99!) 

So as you go, whether you are young or old, go boldly and seize every opportunity that comes before you. Why? Because we have a peace in us that is greater than anything we can find in this world, and we can take courage in the fact that no matter what “maybe” our future turns out to be, Christ will be there with us every step of the way. 

Most of these words come from a devotional thought from the Skit Guys, a pair of comedians who share a long-time friendship encouraging people along the journey of life. In our Hero’s Journey, the real test of life happens after we decide to become a bonafide follower of Jesus. 

It seems that, not too long after coming up out of the water, when we feel so relieved, the temptations show up with increased intensity, emotions may feel more polarized than before, and even our convictions can be an obstacle on the Hero’s Journey. 

Remember these words of Paul, at the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith. Now there is a crown waiting for me. It is given to those who are right with God. The Lord, who judges fairly, will give it to me on the day he returns. He will not give it only to me. He will also give it to all those who are longing for him to return.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)