It's never been and question of "if"...

Joshua's graduation

Friday night we celebrated my son Joshua's graduation from Anderson University. He received a card from his close friends that said, It's never been a question of "if" . It's always been a matter of "when"... and NOW is your time... congratulations!  How perfect is this sentiment?  Anyone who knows my son knows he is one of the friendliest people you will ever meet. He knows twice the number of people in Anderson that his dad and I know. Some people even nickname him "Mr. Mayor". He has worked hard since he was 15 years old and done well.  School on the other hand just was not his thing.  He hated reading and studying.  He loved going to class and socializing. As a result it has taken him a lot longer to attain his degree.  However, his perseverance and determination to finish has given him the reward.

We watched our son walk across that stage with the biggest smile, greet and receive his degree from the President of the university (who of course he knows). Dr. Whitaker said, "You made it, congratulations".
He was beaming and we as his parents were as well.  I thought about how long it took to adopt him. We named him Joshua because it was such a battle to get him!  Just like the Joshua from scripture he had to trust that God would be with him to defeat his foe (in our son's case ADHD).

Today I was thinking that when life is not easy the victories are that much sweeter. Randy said Joshua's unseen strength was his perseverance. The way I see it that virtue can be a huge benefit in this life. It is the kind of lesson that can not be taught, but experienced. I can hear him now encouraging others to not give up but stay the course. Who better to share it than someone who has lived it !

"Let us run with patient endurance and steady and active perseverance the appointed race that is set before us." Hebrews 12:1