19 YEARS OF PERSEVERANCE

Across our land, millions are gathering this weekend in gymnasiums, stadiums and fields to celebrate the human capacity to persevere. Graduating from high school or college demands focus, vision and endurance. Consider the case of Kathy Vitzthum who, beginning in 1992, completed her studies at Iowa State University after taking at least one class each and every semester for 19 consecutive years. "About half way through the 40 semesters, she promised her terminally ill father that she would continue until she graduated. On May 7, 2011, the 48-year-old Vitzthum graduated summa cum laude from Iowa State with a bachelor's degree in accounting." (Source: SermonNews, 5/16/2011)

Imagine the perseverance required to trudge through 40 semesters, while juggling family and career! Considering the multitude of times I start a project and "run out of steam" half way through, she earns my respect. Ecclesiastes 9:10 instructs, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Likewise, we read in Galatians 6:9, "So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up."

Feel free to disagree, but in some ways culturally, we've lowered the bar of excellence by rewarding mundane accomplishments as if they were something phenomenal. Years ago I attended my grandson's graduation from pre-school. The entire class was decked out in caps and gowns and marched in to Pomp and Circumstance. After a glowing speech from the principal concerning the prodigious attainment of these four-year-olds, there was a celebration with free Margaritas and a buffet luncheon...all lauding the amazing achievement of graduating from nursery school. 

OK, I know some of you are picking up rocks to stone me...but It's just something to think about. It's great to celebrate our kids' accomplishments at every level! But we especially need to honor those who have persevered through great trials to graduate. So, congratulations to the class of 2018, whether it's college, high school, middle school, kindergarten...or even nursery school!