My Daughter Graduates From College Today

My wife has a picture of us on her mirror in our bedroom.  The year was 1987.  The place was Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.  The occasion was our college graduation.  As I look at that picture I can't help but notice how skinny I looked back then and be reminded how sexy my wife was.  25 years have passed since then.  I'm no longer skinny but my wife is even more sexy.  I sure got the good end of the deal on that one!

A quarter of a century has passed since that picture was taken but today I am back at Liberty University for another college graduation.  This time it is not me - it's my daughter.  She graduates today from the School of Education.  I could not be more proud of her.  But I also can't help but wonder where the last 25 years went.

25 years ago when I walked across that platform at Liberty's graduation it was Dr Jerry Falwell, one of my spiritual heroes, who shook my hand and gave me my diploma.  When I walked off the stage my Gradnpa Distler, another one of my spiritual heroes, was standing right there with his arms wide open to hug me, congratulate me and tell me how proud he was of me.

Now, 25 years later, as my daughter walks across that platform both of those influential men in my life are already enjoying heaven.  A lot has changed on campus in those 25 years as well.  In fact, the campus is dramatically different from how it was a quarter century ago when I donned my cap and gown. But the day is just as special - even more special.

You could call today a JOYFUL day!  Congratulations, Joy!  I am so very proud of you.  25 years ago your mom and I could have never imagined the gift God would give us in you.  You have given special meaning to the verse in Scripture that says, "I have no grater JOY than to see that my children walk in truth!'  So as you walk across that platform today please know that nobody will be more proud of you on this your special day than I will be!

I love you!