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Graduates: Follow Your Dreams

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Follow Your Dreams

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In the weeks just before the 2005 graduation ceremonies at Arizona State University (ASU), I had the opportunity to revisit my alma mater and recalled with fondness my own graduation that had occurred just one short year ago.

In spite of the familiar tension and apprehension of final exams, research papers and academic defenses that could make the last weeks of school seem like an eternity, there was an air of excitement that could not be contained. Once again, seniors were waiting in eager anticipation to finish—to take that all-important walk across the stage before fellow students, loved ones and friends to receive their diploma of recognition and success.

In the days that followed, numerous graduation ceremonies commenced, and I could not help but be moved with emotion and a sense of pride for their success as I extended congratulations to many of these students—now fellow alumni.

Like those at ASU, graduates from across America, whether from high schools or universities, will have again taken their place in the annals of academia. It is important, however, to take a moment and give credit to the one who made it all possible.

The Highest Degrees

Consider that God holds the highest degrees in the universe. He is our Designer and Creator. He holds the highest degrees in communication, engineering, child development, architectural design, meteorology, computer science, music, family studies and geology, just to name a few (Proverbs 3:20; Job 38 to 42). He even has His finger on the pulse of history—past, present and future (Isaiah 46:10).

His list of accomplishments is infinite—His wisdom and knowledge beyond our total comprehension. Yet we have been given a mustard seed of His talents and abilities in that we come from the gene pool of God Himself, and it just doesn't get any better than that (Genesis 1:26-27)!

God does not make yellow pencils—we are not all the same. Each person has been given varying gifts to share; therefore, our academic accomplishments are to His glory! He is the epitome of every educational aspiration a student will ever undertake and is clothed in a robe of honor (Revelation 19:11-16).
What comes to mind when you see a student wearing the traditional cap and gown, or robe of honor? As with any uniform, it represents a great deal of time, hard work, dedication, drive, resourcefulness and perseverance—some of the qualities expounded upon in the booklet The Seven Laws of Success written by the late Herbert W. Armstrong. He wrote, "These Seven Laws are the WAY, not only to business and economic success—they are THE LAWS that lead to... ETERNAL LIFE AND GLORY in the Kingdom of God" (page 62). He founded Ambassador College upon these timeless true values (Proverbs 9:10; Psalm 119:105).

Remember, knowledge is power (Proverbs 24:5). It is the stepping stone to our destiny.

Therefore, a diploma is not just some piece of paper to hang on the wall to gather dust. As most students confirm, there is a sense of accomplishment and confidence in the ability to articulate thoughts, feelings and ideas—to analyze data and formulate conclusions—to be disciplined to the end. As one student offered, "It is having the willingness to grow beyond what we are."

As I reminisce about my own educational journey during some of the darkest years of my life, there were times when I felt I could not go on. An instructor once offered these encouraging words: "You can do this and more!"

About 12 years ago, I found an inspirational greeting card authored by Amanda Bradley that encapsulated this comment, and I have often referred to it in moments of discouragement and despair. It is entitled "Follow Your Dream":

"Follow Your Dream... take one step at a time and don't settle for less, just continue to climb. Follow Your Dream... if you stumble, don't stop and lose sight of your goal, press on to the top. For only on top can we see the whole view, can we see what we've done and what we can do, can we then have the vision to seek something new... Press on, and follow your dream.

"On the road of life, wherever you are, may God guide your way as you reach for a star, and may you find always while He is close by, no dream is too lofty—no goal is too high."

So, congratulations to the class of 2005, and to those who will follow in your footsteps! And to our high school graduates, remember, you have achieved something very special. Don't stop now—find your passion—follow your own dreams—further your education to serve others with the talents and abilities God has given you. For, you are the future! UN