And a chapter closes

Today we attended the college graduation of one of our sons.  It was bittersweet.    We are so happy for him completing his education.  We look forward to his upcoming marriage to a wonderful young lady.  We look forward to moving him to his first apartment for his first real adult job.  And most of all we look forward to watch and see how God  will use him.    This all excites us a lot.

At the same time it was sad to see his time at the University end.  He made so many good friends.   We have so enjoyed getting to know some of these friends and to spend time with them.  Some of these young men have spent time in our home, we have shared meals with them and they have become a valued part of our lives.   We were blessed to spend time with a couple of these guys this weekend and really enjoyed our time with Andrew and Joseph and are so thankful for the role they have played in Aaron's life.

We know it is sad for Aaron to see this chapter of his life close.  We know he will miss his friends.  But it is exciting to see the enthusiasm he has about the next chapter of his life.   We know he is excited about his upcoming marriage and new job.    So today tears were shed.  Tears of sadness for a chapter that is closing.  Tears of rejoicing over the accomplishment of one of our children.  Tears of anticipation for what is next.  And most importantly tears of gratefulness for the ways God has blessed his life and how He has used Aaron and for how He will use him in the future.

So as a chapter closes another opens and such is life for most of us.  We can't stay stranded in what is comfortable, we must press on and follow where God leads us and try to be sensitive to His leading in our lives. 

We are proud of you Aaron and know that the future will be bright and that this chapter closing and this new open beginning is the first of many transitions like this as you progress through life.  Seize the day!