Few things are more rewarding than to celebrate a high school graduate. My granddaughter was part of a private school, and the senior class was small, which allowed for a unique experience. As each student made it to the podium, they talked about their years at Classical Conversations; the classmates who were now friends, the directors who’d poured time into their education, and most importantly for their parents who were tasked with homeschooling.
After the seniors went back to their seats, it came time for the parents to speak to their child. Tears rolled down Mom’s and Dad’s cheeks as they told of what a special blessing it was to a part of their child’s growing up journey. The senior class also needed a tissue to wipe away their tears. When finished, hugs were shared, and it was the parents who handed the diploma to their son or daughter.
Gratitude Given
Until now, I had only experienced graduations where the senior class numbered at least 400-500 graduates; and often thousands. There would be no time for this kind of intimate sharing. And I thought how sad for most of our graduates not to hear words of affirmation. And for parents to miss such an important moment. Expressing gratitude is such a soul-nourishing thing. If you have a graduate at your house and have only experienced large ceremonies, will you make time to share more intimate thoughts with them?
Does God Celebrate Us
I got to thinking, I wonder if God celebrates us in a similar way. Afterall, He is our Abba Father and we are His beloved child, created in His image. I set about a search through Scripture that would support His love toward us and the intimate connection He brings into our lives. Here’s only a few verses that reveal God’s love for us.
God’s Creative Power
So God created man in His own image; In the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. Genesis 1:27 NKJV
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7 NKJV
God’s Thoughts Toward Us
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NKJV
But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are mine.” Isaiah 43:1 NKJV
God’s Grace Given
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 NKJV
Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6 NKJV
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that w should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10 NKJV
Seeing God as a Parent
This sounds like a parent’s love to me. Just as a parent knows their thoughts for their child, God has good and precious thoughts for us, too. Will we believe the God who formed us is the God who is for us? I pray God’s love is that real to you.
Prayer:
Lord, Your thoughts are precious toward me. Thank you for parenting me and guiding me into the purpose You have fashioned me for. Thinking of You as a parent is such a helpful insight. Just as You have created, Your grace has also redeemed. How grateful I am. Amen
Coaches Corner:
Sometimes it’s hard to grasp the unconditional love God has for us, and truly believe we really are special in His sight. If this is difficult for you, talking with a life coach is helpful. The first 30-minute session is free. https://www.rebuildingfamilies.net/l
