Graduation Good Wishes

As people have been responding to my graduation, I've been touched by the responses.  My mom brought a pile of happy graduation cards that people have sent to her.  Many of these cards are from people who have known me since birth and took time to write a personal note--what a gift.

I've had a Catholic friend who was once a priest tell me that he's looking forward to a day when he can have the eucharist that I will celebrate, when he can take the bread from my hand.  If we're being strict, that day is a long way off.  Lutherans and Catholics are not in formal communion with each other.  Pope Leo may change that.  Still, the comment meant a lot to me.

Similarly, my sister has said that if my church was nearby, she'd want me to be her pastor.  That comment means a lot to me.  We've experienced many lackluster pastors between us, so when she says she would love hearing my sermons each week, I know that she's not just giving me empty compliments.

I am also surprised by how many people watched the livestream of the graduation ceremony.  I've been to a lot of graduations, and I don't mind them.  Sometimes I even find them inspiring.  But I don't know that I'd tune in from a distance.  Maybe it's something I should think about in the future.

I also want to remember how much this has meant to me so that I can be the same sort of gift for others.  It's good to know that people are rooting for me.  I want to do the same for others going forward.