Faith In Fiction | A Perfectly Imperfect Graduation
Waking up this crisp Pennsylvania June morning, my heart fills with anxious anticipation. I gaze across the room, admiring my perfectly pressed sky blue high school graduation gown. There is not a doubt in my mind that today will be a perfect day. As I have imagined for years, I will stroll across the high school football field with my class, wait my turn, then walk gracefully on stage to receive my diploma from the intimidating principal, Mr. Zindell. My family will cheer me on, clapping furiously when my secret is revealed, that I have won the school’s coveted academic award. What a memorable moment it will be!
When I walk into the kitchen, I am wrapped into an enthusiastic, congratulatory hug by my sister, Kathy and my oldest sister, Jane, who arrived home last night from Washington, D.C.
“Andy’s flight is delayed,” Jane says, a note of concern in her voice. I feel my heart plummet in disappointment that my 30-year old brother will not arrive in time for my noon ceremony. When he moved to San Francisco ten years ago, he vowed to be at my graduation “no matter what.” But a Bible verse quickly comes to mind reminding me that my trust is to be in the Lord, not in people (even brothers) who will sometimes fail me,
“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans.” Psalm 118:8
As my sisters and I chat, our conversation is suddenly disrupted by a blasting crack of thunder. In disbelief, I stare at the slathering sheets of rain pelting the windows as the wind whips the tree branches back and forth. This vicious downpour will ruin my outdoor graduation.
“According to the radio, this storm unexpectedly turned east instead of west last night, putting our town directly in its path,” Kathy informs me sympathetically.
I nod in response. Weather may be unpredictable to weathermen, but God is not surprised and this storm, on this day, in this place, serves a purpose although I may not understand it,
“When he thunders, the waters in the heavens roar; he makes clouds rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning with the rain and brings out the wind from his storehouses.” Jeremiah 10:13
Three hours later, I struggle against hurricane force winds and the deluge of rain to enter through the school’s heavy doors. Completely drenched, my graduation gown is so soaked that it sticks to my skin. Because of the weather, graduation has been moved inside, to the dinky, dark auditorium, limiting attendance to only two family members per student. Disappointed during the processional, I take my seat and when my name is called, I walk onto the stage to accept my diploma, trying but failing to force a smile. When the ceremony ends, Mr. Zindell announces that this year, for the first time in six years, one of the graduating class has won the county’s Triwiller award. Although the rest of the day has been a shambles, this is my shining moment. Rousing applause, a standing ovation, an embrace from my best friend. The winner is Sherry, which is my first name, but the last name is not mine.
As I exit the auditorium, my parents, sisters and brother congratulate me. The principal approaches, apologizing profusely that I actually did win the award but because of the dim lighting, he misread the last name. No applause, no cheers, no accolades. Pride had consumed me, but the Lord has taught me a lesson in humility that I will never forget,
“Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.” Proverbs 18:12
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” James 4:10
In spite of the day’s disappointments, my heart is full, surrounded by friends and family, here in this school in this charming little town. I am grateful that the Wonderful Counselor is my comfort, my joy and my strength. I have hope for brighter tomorrows.
