The 2020 high school and college graduating classes were born around the time of 9/11 and now 18 to 21 years later, have graduated in the midst of the worldwide COVID shutdown. As the time for graduations has arrived, I’m seeing sad posts and campaigns for students who are unable to enjoy a “normal” graduation. I see a focus on lament and loss.
Please don’t get me wrong, it would be nice to openly celebrate and for the community to be able to be involved in this significant achievement in these young adults’ lives! It is an inconvenience but it’s not going to stop people from celebrating as a family. And, when things calm down parents will be able to hold a more public display of love and support on their graduate’s behalf.
But I see another perspective emerging. These children were born in the midst of a tragic event in the United States that had a ripple effect worldwide. The world quickly and dramatically changed around the time they were born. They have no understanding of how things were before. They entered this world at a time of extreme chaos and uncertainty.
These children grew up forged through the Lord’s fire. As illustrated in Psalm 66:10, 12, “For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined… You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out” into a place of abundance.”(NASB)
Is it such a surprise that they have entered adulthood at yet another unique time in history that is filled on a global scale with even more tension and uncertainty? God knows the times and what is needed for each era. He sent these children to every part of the world and purposed them for this specific time in history. And now, they are fully prepared, uniquely equipped for this time, and shaped by God to change this world for the better.
In the simplest of words so eloquently expressed by Dr. Seuss in his book Oh, the Places You’ll Go, “Kid, you’ll move mountains! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!”
Tanya Vezza 