Commencement Address 2020

By Art Middlekauff

May 24, 2020

Today we are gathered to celebrate Anesley’s graduation from high school. But I prefer the more traditional word for graduation, which is commencement. Commencement means beginning. But graduation is an ending. Why would we use a word that means “beginning” to mark an ending? The reason is because graduation is really a beginning. It is the beginning of a new life where you are no longer taught as a child. Now you will be taught as an adult.

Your education used to be a requirement. Now it’s up to you. You’ll be making all your own decisions. Your mother and I will shift from being your leaders to being your supporters. So when you think about this next journey, I’d like you to think about what made you successful on your first journey. Why were you a good student up through high school?

First, you persevered in everything you started. You didn’t just try things that were difficult. You stuck with them. You worked consistently hard at every single subject, including your skating. This gave you what is called a “liberal” education. Please keep up this path to growth and success. Don’t limit yourself only to the things you do well. Continue to be as well-rounded as you can be.

Second, you were not afraid to be different. Time and again you chose the right path instead of the popular path. You learned the hard way that the right path is often the lonely path. You could have had more friends and been more popular if you had compromised your values. But there is something that stings much worse than rejection and loneliness, and that is regret. You chose the only path that leaves no regrets. Please don’t ever leave that path.

Third, you did not forget whose child you were. And I don’t mean that you are my child. I mean that you are the child of our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ said, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” Don’t ever forget what comes first. There is really only one thing that matters, and that is being part of His kingdom.

With this graduation, this commencement, I wish I could say that I was letting you go. But the truth is you were never mine in the first place. You are a child of the King. He has a new road laid out before you. Today is its commencement.