Here’s To the 2020 Graduates

"It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have lived at all — in which case, you fail by default." 👈 From J.K. Rowling's 2008 speech at Harvard University.

I was recently asked what I would say if I were to deliver a commencement speech. It was an intriguing question. While Harvard has yet to ring me up, I think I would stay away from all the cliches to “dream big” and instead dish out similar advice to J.K. Rowling. (Who by the way, had a short-lived marriage implode, had lost her job, and was so poor she was on the brink of being homeless before her success came.) When she was at the bottom, she realized that her life went on, and she decided to press forward.

As I have realized firsthand, the plans we make in life are to be held onto lightly. ✨Proverbs 19:21✨. What is sure to come, however, is adversity, likely some failure, and then hopefully enough resilience within us to get back up again, dust ourselves off and propel us forward toward something new and even better. In God's strength.

My nephew Trey graduated Sunday. He was valedictorian and signed on with Buena Vista University to play football. I am proud of him for such things, but most of my faith in him comes from knowing his character. (And remembering exactly what he looked like when he was 4 years old - little cutie pie.) He knows God’s got him in the palm of His hand and that if he were to stumble, or life throws a bunch of bricks at him, he won’t remain down for long. Congrats to you, “little” Trey and to all you class of 2020 graduates. Go get ‘em, and whatever comes your way - you've got this. 🎓

P.S. For those of you who haven’t read it, I wrote an article for all of you grads and parents who didn’t get your “normal” ending. You can read it here.

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