“A Great Cloud of Witnesses”
Graduation season is upon us, and caps and gowns are all the rage. Whether the graduate in your life is five years old or twenty-five, this is a landmark occasion in his or her life. One stage is coming to a close. Another one is just beginning.
Our youngest grandchild Jack graduated from his pre-K program the other night. He and his fellow grads were celebrated by a large number of their fans (AKA family members). We all gathered in one of the school’s classrooms and settled our no-longer-preschool-sized rear ends into preschool-sized chairs, waiting eagerly for the grand entrance of the graduates.
Sweet Miss Holly, the preschool director, welcomed us. Then she read a modified version of Robert Fulghum’s “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” adapting it to apply to the pre-K crowd. Choking up with emotion that we were all feeling, Miss Holly then prayed a precious, touching blessing over these little ones.
And then in they came!
Boys and girls in baby blue caps and gowns filed into the room, waving and smiling as they saw faces they recognized. They proceeded down the center aisle, taking their places in front of an adorable backdrop touting each child as “One Smart Cookie” (which we all already knew 😊).
The kids led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then the Pledge to the Bible. They sang some truth-filled, upbeat songs accompanied by hand motions and big smiles. Finally, they recited the Scripture they’d been working so hard to memorize for the past few weeks.
Then Miss Holly and the two teachers called each child forward to receive his or her diploma. One by one, they approached their teacher and solemnly shook hands before taking their diplomas from Miss Holly.
As I waited for Jack’s name to be called, I scanned the faces of those in the room. All eyes were on the kids at the front. Every heart was filled with joy, excitement, pride, and love for this crew of little people! Everyone was for these kids!
The ceremony ended with a video highlighting the fun and educational activities the kids had been involved in for the past nine months. The emotion in the room was palpable as photos of the kids in all sorts of poses, costumes, and expressions scrolled across the screen. Scenes that almost had us in tears were immediately followed by some hilarious picture that saved the day.
There were lots of photos and cookies and lemonade afterwards. Turns out - the grads came for the snacks! Who could have imagined that?! Families gathered outside to mingle and chat with Miss Holly and the teachers on a truly spectacular spring evening. Then those pre-K kids – excuse me, graduates - along with their fan clubs, piled into their cars and went home.
I wondered if those children fell asleep that night knowing just how loved and supported they were. I wondered if they could feel the hope and excitement for their futures that their loved ones were dreaming of for them. I wondered if they had an inkling as to what the Lord was preparing them for, even at their young ages. I wondered if they had even the tiniest clue that every person in that classroom on a Tuesday night in May 2025 was for them and cheering them on?
Do we realize that we have a fan base just like those littles? Any time we step out in faith and obedience for a new season or adventure, we’re accompanied by God’s Holy Spirit – guiding, leading, strengthening us. But Hebrews 12:1 lets us know that we also have a heavenly cheering section pulling for us, rooting us on and encouraging us to let go of any hindrances or encumbrances so that we might accomplish God’s plans for our lives. We can take heart as we fix our eyes on Jesus, knowing that the saints who are encouraging us from heaven’s sidelines have set an example of faithfulness and are now enjoying God’s rest.
As the graduates in your life transition into their next stage, commend them to the Lord’s care. Commit to be a “witness” to support and love them through all that God brings across their paths. And remember that no matter your age, heaven’s spirit squad believes in you and is cheering you on.
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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, Who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2
