graduation parties. Well, in Wisconsin, every senior has a party. Parties are all different, but an average party is a table of hot sandwiches lots of sides and a cake. Usually there are an abundance of pictures of the graduate displayed and sometimes there is even a slide show going of the child through all their
growing up years. For the next couple of months there will be several graduation parties to attend.
Our oldest officially graduated last year, but still lives at home while she finishes her online college. We are looking at about one more year for that to be accomplished.
As I think of all these graduates and prep for the moving out
season of our life I am clinging to Jesus example in John 17. This chapter is Jesus praying for His disciples as He is about to leave them; He is sending them out on their own. In a couple of hours Judas will betray Him. Here are a few of the highlights of what He prayed for these men He loved.
Vs. 1b “Father, the time has come, Glorify Your Son, that Your
Son may glorify You.” The time has come for our children to become more independent. As that happens I pray they may glorify the Father.
Vs. 4 “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work
You gave me to do.” Our work as parents isn’t exactly completed, we will always be parenting, but my hope is that I have been faithful in doing the work the Lord has given me and my children will have seen God’s glory in that work.
Vs. 8 “For I gave them the words You gave me and they accepted them.” This is my responsibility; it is up to God to do the rest. As I have walked along with this child I have leaned heavy on the Lord. Now I must trust that He gave me all the words needed and this child will have them hidden in their heart as they move out on their own.
Vs. 15 “My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but
that You protect them from the evil one.” Jesus had to let go of His disciples. It was time for Him to go back to the Father. I have to let go, it is time for my child to go out of my very near presence. If the first three verses are in place, then this verse is what’s left. “Child, go, go and I will pray for your protection from the evil one.”