Graduation day

I attended a high school graduation tonight. Not a big one, only 50 or so students (as compared to the 400 some I graduated with). It got me to thinking…

I could not help but think of the changes that have happened over the 11 years since I walked across the stage. Changes in our society, and most of all in my life.

When I left high school I was off to the US Army, until an accident with a 351 Windsor and some fire changed that all up. I was real confused as to what to do after that accident and another serious one following shortly there after. (Yeah I had a run of bad luck a mile wide LOL)

There was a US Army Colonel ret. that spoke at this graduation ceremony. I hope the people there heard his words, most of all the class of 2004. His main point as I comprehended it was to not listen to what others think you should do…challenge yourself…rise up…dig deep… go farther…and of course further your education. He was 67 years old, but carried himself well and spoke strongly.

The class valedictorian, one of my best friend’s niece, gave a speech in the form of a story about walking a high wire (or tight rope as some call it). She got the idea from one of my favorite bands Third Day and their latest album ‘Wire’.

I thought it was an awesome ceremony…I am a fool for speeches that motivate me anyway. This one had two very good speeches.

Even though I graduated 11 years ago, I am going to focus more, now than ever, on reaching for my goals…and reaching high.

I think we should take the challenge that was given to the class of 2004 in this ceremony….It was simple…you can walk the wire one foot at a time, knowing the net will catch you, or you can do some flips and stunts..knowing the net will catch you. The net she referred to was God.

Before this gets any longer I will leave you with the words of the song, ask you to take up this challenge, and remember theses students in your prayers this week. They are gonna need them.

Wire
words by Mark Lee / music by Third Day
Turn on the spotlight, strike up the band
EveryoneÔø?s looking my way They came to see the excitement firsthand
And hear all that IÔø?ve got to say
Oh, it makes me wonder What if I slip, will they catch me Or watch me fall?

I am walking on a wire
I tiptoe in through the fire
Never looking down to see that
I am walking on a wire
The pressureÔø?s getting higher
But I donÔø?t look around

Everyone roots for the winner
The others well maybe next time
Your time at the top only lasts fifteen minutes
Then they just leave you behind

Oh, it makes me wonder What if I slip, will they catch me Or watch me fall?

I am walking on a wire
I tiptoe in through the fire
Never looking down to see that
I am walking on a wire
The pressureÔø?s getting higher
But I donÔø?t look around
ItÔø?s so far to the ground