But did you know that a couple million other high school seniors have also done it all, and maybe even more? That thousands of others have engaged in the same “unique” extracurricular activities, excelled in the same academic disciplines, and pursued the same personal passions as we have? That countless other unfamiliar faces will also receive a piece of paper entitling them to begin a new chapter of life? Right now, sitting here in our caps and gowns, we are experiencing that “top of the mountain” sensation, when our hearts are nothing but blissful and carefree. We feel extremely special and honored. I know, because this is absolutely true of myself. I felt like a star at my grad party, basking in the numerous words of “congratulations” and later, gleefully opening gifts and cards (By the way, I’ve never received so many cards on one occasion...ever). This is indeed a special time in our lives, and I don’t mean to take away from that. But I think it’s wise to keep in mind, that truth be told, we’re not all that special.
We’re among millions of other soon-to-be high school alumni who are entering college, who will be searching for jobs, who also bear the label “senior” proudly in their minds. In some regards, we are nameless faces in a sea of graduates. Call me a "Debbie-downer," but this is reality.
But fortunately, this isn’t where it ends. For this section of my speech, I must give credit to my senior pastor, who spoke about this idea a couple days ago. As I mentioned just a couple sentences before, though we do, in many ways, resemble every other graduating senior in the world, a foundational difference exists within us that sets us apart. And that ever-so-significant difference that we possess is called “purpose.”
No, the concept itself is not unique to us. Tom Cruise, Warren Buffett, and Hilary Clinton have all defined and embraced what they think to be the purpose of life, but I’m not sure that in the long run, they will sense a deep fulfillment. So many in the world, and even among 2013 high school graduates, pursue their own purpose in life. They work hard in high school to get to college, then work hard in college to get a job, then work even harder to get a better job, then settle down and start a family, then hope that their work pays off in the form of a satisfying retirement. Much of humanity is analogous to hamsters on wheels. Some “hamsters” run hard, some don’t even break a sweat, but what every kind of hamster (or human) in between has in common is that they get absolutely nowhere.
But we’re different- special, if you will. Because of the eternal hope we have in Christ, we’re not confined to the futile hamster wheels of the world. What a relief! (I think most of us would feel claustrophobic and bored pretty soon anyway). We have a divine purpose, and this time in our lives is as good as ever a time to begin contemplating the meaning of this truth. The Westminster Catechism states that “man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” But how do we glorify God? How do we enjoy Him, exactly? I believe that our individual answers to this vital question will be unique and distinct. Some of us may choose to glorify God by becoming successful engineers or scientists who enhance people’s lives; some of us may start businesses that cater to humanity’s physical needs as well as their spiritual ones; some of us may choose to raise godly children as a full-time stay at home parent. The list goes on and on. One thing that’s so beautiful about the Christian life is that God does not limit the ways in which we can glorify Him and thus fulfill our purpose in life. On the contrary, this over-arching purpose is extraordinarily multi-faceted.
So how does this relate back to the Class of ‘13 and our graduation? Today begins a whole new journey for all of us- and also for the millions of other high school graduates. By worldly standards, we’re not all that special- but what distinguishes us in the here and now, and for eternity, is our special purpose. And when we begin to recognize this purpose and embrace it, we can study hard, pursue our passions, and enjoy life without having to worry about our lives resembling mindless hamsters on wheels. Because of Christ, we have hope and purpose. I sincerely hope that all of us come to acknowledge and embrace this powerful truth, and live our lives with genuine joy and gratitude, regardless of where we end up in the years ahead.
On behalf of my class, I would like to extend my genuine thanks to our families who put up with us at home, our teachers who put up with us at school, and our churches who put up with us at, yes, even church. We could not have done it without your loving support and prayers. There are no words to describe or express our gratitude.
To the Class of 2013: I’m so blessed to know you all and to have spent four years with you. You guys are incredible individuals, possessing so many gifts and abilities. Your passion, kindness, and leadership are admirable, and I know that we will miss each other dearly, and that we will be dearly missed.
As we embark on a whole new journey, may we never forget where we came from, or more importantly, where we are going. And above all, may we never forget that we have hope, purpose, and meaning- that we are indeed special people, thanks to the grace of God.
by Joy Cho
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