Today is Graduation Sunday, and I would like to congratulate all the graduates. Whether you are completing elementary school or graduate studies, this moment marks a significant milestone in your life’s journey.

For high school graduates, graduation signifies a transition from a dependent stage to an independent one. Many of you will move away from your parents to pursue further studies elsewhere. Even those staying local and moving out of their parents' home will begin the journey of independent living. Without the constant guidance of your parents, you now have the autonomy to make decisions about finances, friendships, time management, and the pursuit of your interests. Flying independently and freely has been your dream since childhood, and now it’s becoming a reality! At this exciting moment, I encourage you to prepare yourselves in the following areas:

First, manage and organize your own life. Basic necessities such as eating, sleeping, and self-care are crucial. Maintaining a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, and keeping your life organized can be challenging. Any disruption in these routines could potentially derail your academic and professional pursuits. Effective life management requires not only cultivating good habits from an early age but also mastering time management and self-discipline. Practicing in this area is paramount.

Second, handle various interpersonal relationships. Interacting with others can be one of the hardest skills in life. Facing a completely unfamiliar environment and different people, and learning to interact with roommates, classmates, teachers, and others while peacefully coexisting and supporting each other require wisdom. What mindset will you bring into these relationships? Where are the boundaries in each relationship? What if conflicts arise? Where can you seek help? Although life’s complexities will inevitably present new challenges, being prepared, participating in fellowship, and relying on God can strengthen your resilience.

Third, face difficulties and failures. Life is full of ups and downs. How you face difficulties and failures determines how long and how far you can go. Being able to bravely stand up in adversity, unload burdens, see the direction clearly, and start anew is the key to reaching your ideal destination.

I believe that the diligent nurturing by your parents over the years and your regular church life have prepared you for all the above aspects. God has equipped you with powerful wings. No matter what type of storm you may encounter, you can continue to soar.

I hope that these two verses serve as a guiding light to the graduates: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
(Translated by: Chet and Mabel)