As we celebrate the Class of 2022, we all have experienced some of the most profound, disruptive, and unprecedented years in recent history. We may not yet have graduated from the global pandemic, but its impact has been monumental in everyone’s lives.

There are many valuable lessons to learn during this COVID-19 pandemic. We can learn to accept uncertainty, embrace vulnerability, and lead with faith, knowing that God is in control and plays an invaluable role in all that we have accomplished and the milestones we have achieved. When we reflect on how we have used our gifts and done our best work, the friendships we have fostered, and the blessings we have experienced, we honor God and the people who have supported us along, giving us a sense of purpose in our lives. He is the one who builds us up and gives us the abilities to achieve everything under the sun! We also see God through the love of others, especially our parents and families who unconditionally love and support us through our endeavors, the friends who have shown us kindness during periods of uncertainty, the teachers who have inspired us. The forgiveness and compassion that others show us reflects Jesus, strengthening us; in turn, the forgiveness and compassion we show others helps fulfill God's plan for them and for us.

As we continue to tackle life's inevitable challenges, remember that we are stronger when we persistently ask for God's mercy and direction. Remember the strength God has given us all along: to persevere when exhausted, to work through our struggles and failures, to show compassion through frustration, and to not let our pride inhibit us from asking for help. We are all God’s handiwork: blessed to bless; loved to love.

Know that His grace is sufficient and His strength is made complete in our weakness. We are refined through humility, thus allowing God to guide us as instruments of His will. We will not graduate from our faith journey nor be retired from His commission. We can always hope and pray for a beer version of the next chapter.

“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8