Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before. Philippians 3:13-14

I have been crying off and on for the last few days. Graduation is this week and my youngest, my only baby girl, will be graduating high school.

I thought this would be easy for me since I’ve already experienced two graduations with my sons, but it’s actually harder! This is such an emotional time for me.

I walk into the party store to purchase items for her party and I start to tear up. I read the letters and emails from her school regarding graduation and I tear up. Just writing this week’s inspiration is causing me to tear up!

Her father and I were divorced when he passed away a few years ago and I cry for my daughter because he will not be here to see her walk across the platform to receive her diploma.

Don’t get me wrong, I am extremely happy that she is finishing school and starting college in the fall. I am sad because it seems like it was not too long ago she was graduating from kindergarten, and now she’s all grown up.

She’s leaving high school and starting a new chapter in her life. And to her new chapter, I want to encourage her and all graduates with the following from God’s Word:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26

 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12

I am proud of the mature, independent, lovely young lady my daughter has grown up to be. And I will be smiling through my tears when I see her receive her diploma.

So to all the families of graduates, whether it’s kindergarten, high school or college, I will share in your joyful tears this graduation season!