So, there you were wearing that robe and cap and your hands grasping your diploma as if it was the most precious thing, the one thing you've spent sleepless nights enduring brain-numbing and straining studying for and that'll get you places from that point in your life. That moment you took pictures with peers realizing it could be one of the last times you'll ever gather together and it's all gonna be different from then onwards.
That was your graduation day, the day when you felt as if those 4 to 5 years just flashed before your eyes. To new graduates, a heartfelt “Congratulations!” for achieving a great feat in your life. You know you worked hard, you made it after so many unprecedented obstacles, and arriving at this point in your life is worth celebrating. As you savor every bit of this glorious affair and fellowship with your friends and all the people who took a part in your success, do take time to converse with the Lord and listen to what He’s got to say, reflecting on the journey that has just passed and the new one you’re embarking on:
Have courage.
If you feel nervous or lost because you're not sure where you'll go after graduating, know that it is a normal feeling. God wants you to know that you can find courage in Him. Life will not be as what you’re used to and it could be unnerving but with faith in Him you can have clarity in your plans and confidently stride forward. At this stage in your life, cherish new experiences, learn the most from them, and use them to pivot you to your next bigger step.
"Whatever your hand finds to do, do it will all your might." - Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whenever you're feeling isolated and no one could fully understand your struggle, you can seek guidance from Him and you'll get through those hardships together.
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
You're born for a purpose.
As humans, we have an innate sense of purpose and we gain self-worth from there. This is even more true now that you’ve graduated with a degree that more or less could determine your life’s vocation. At this point, take a pause and let God remind you that you are destined to fulfill His plans for you.
"For he knows where I am going and when He tests me I will come out as pure gold." - Job 23:10
He is happy seeing you aim to do things that will spread His good news and that will glorify Him. Somewhere out there, someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer. You are valued and opportunities are guaranteed to come your way.
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” - Colossians 3:17
"Do your best present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handing the word of truth." - 2 Timothy 2:15
Don't cease learning.
Learning doesn't have to stop once you're free from the four corners of the classroom. You can expand your life view and be more equipped for the bigger world by recognizing your untapped growth potential. Discover your passions and build on those by dedicating time to improve them.
"Whatever you do work at it with all your heart." - Colossians 3:23
This mindset of lifelong learning gives you different lenses by which you can appreciate the world around you and, in turn, makes life more fulfilling and gives you the confidence to contribute to its betterment, exactly what God wants you to do.
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed." - Proverbs 16:3
God wants you to be steadfast in your faith. With Him, you can live a life with clarity, a guided direction, and, most importantly, a life devoted to not self-service but for the greater good, the real essence of work as part of your mortal existence.
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” - Philippians 2:3-4
[For the fresh graduate that’s soul searching and wants to establish God’s guiding presence in their lives ahead, these gift ideas could just give them an insight from God:
Jeremiah 29:11 Pen, Keychain, or Leather Journal
Joshua 1:9 Pen, Keychain, or Leather Journal
Faith is Bigger than Fear Tumbler