Over the weekend, a friend asked me if I’ve ever spoken at a graduation.  As if you couldn’t guess, the answer is no and, yes, I also think the thought of me as a graduation speaker is pretty funny.  But all week, I’ve been asking myself what I would say if I was asked.  I’m sure it would depend on the school and the audience.  But I do know some of what I would say to you who have walked with Christ and The Gathering these past few years:

To The Class of 2010,

You have challenged, inspired and encouraged me more than you can imagine.  You ask amazingly good questions about God and about life.  I think sometimes you’re just messing with me but I think most of the time you really want to know the answer.  I’ve always gotten the sense you want to know because you care.  You care about this world, your place in it and the life God is calling you to live.  You want to know the truth of the Bible because you’re actually willing to build your lives on it.  I’ve loved watching you wrestle with those questions.

We never wanted The Gathering to be an event students attend.  From the beginning, the dream was a movement of students sweeping the campuses of DC.  Students who love Christ.  Students who obey His commands.  Students who love the world and serve in Jesus’ name.  Students with a heart for what God is doing on every corner of the planet.  Students who love each other and are willing to take the risks necessary to carry each other’s burdens.  Students growing and being transformed into the image of Christ.  Students coming to faith.  You all give me hope that it’s possible.  Vision is becoming reality in you by God’s grace.

But don’t you think for a second that God is done with you.  You still have much to learn.  Places He’s growing you.  Areas He’s pruning.  You’ll be tempted to walk away at times.  And maybe you will for a season.  But you are held firm in the hands of a God who loves you more than you can know.  Your life is defined by a King on a cross and an empty tomb that shouts hope to the world.  You go out from your campuses as heirs to the Kingdom of God and ambassadors for Christ.  You’ve had amazing impact on campus but I still believe your greatest days are ahead.

Go be the man or the woman God has called you to be.  Fight for what’s right in the world.  Make Jesus famous.  Be bold.  Don’t ever settle for mediocrity.  Keep believing in the power and promises of God.  Shine for Him.

And thanks for letting me walk through these past years with you.

John