July 2, 2025 When he addressed the 24 new commissioned lay ministers on June 22, Bishop Terry R. LaValley told them, as he often tells confirmation students, that the ceremony was a sending forth to something new, not a graduation – not an end. But graduation is exactly the ceremony I’m going to tonight. My son, Jake, graduates from high school tonight (I’m writing on June 27). Words can’t capture how proud I am of him. My kind, funny, smart and dedicated kid is becoming a kind, funny, smart and dedicated young man. It’s been amazing to watch him conquer so many challenges over the last 18 years, and I’m excited to see what challenges he will conquer in years to come and where God will lead him. In August, Jake will be off to Central New York to attend barber school. We’re planning to go to look at least one potential apartment this weekend. While I’m super happy for him, I’m also more than a little bit sad and scared. This is new territory for us. It’s hard for me to imagine him not being in our home and sitting across the table from me at dinner. As Jake begins this next chapter, I keep reminding him that he doesn’t have to have his whole life figured out right now. I try to remind him that God sometimes changes our plans. I try to remind him to just be open to where God is leading him. I think we all need that reminder sometimes. I also thought about how God can change or add to our plans as I placed the list of newly commissioned lay ministers on page 4. Next to each name is a field of ministry to which the individuals felt called. As I read, “(name) – Youth Ministry” or “(name) – Ministry to Sick & Elderly,” I thought, “and whatever else God decides.” We never know what that’s going to look like. We know, though, that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives. If we keep praying, discerning, setting aside our wills and following His, we’ll have the joy of eternal life. There’s no end there, either. |
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