If you wouldn’t mind, I have a simple story for all those young people who are graduating about now and moving on with their lives.

My children have always enjoyed going to the park and playing on the equipment, especially the swings. Not long ago, we stopped by a park while on a camping trip, and, it wasn’t long before they found the swings and began to say, “Push me, Daddy, push me.”

I went down the line pushing each child in turn until they were all going. Now the older children, after I got them going, pretty well kept themselves swinging high. Once in a while they’d ask me to give them a push, but – they could handle it. Oh, but the younger ones – they nearly wore me out! I’d get them swinging, and then they’d just sit there and swing back and forth, and back and forth until they slowly swung to a stop. Then they’d cry for me to get them going again. It wasn’t long before Dad was ready to move on to the teeter-totter.

I well remember those days when they were all young, and they all needed to be continually pushed. I have to say, I miss it just a bit, but I’m grateful now that my older ones have learned how to pump themselves and stay up high.

My dear young friends, since you were a baby, parents, teachers, and friends have been pushing you higher and higher – and along the way we have hoped beyond hope that you would learn how to pump yourself. We knew the day would come when you’d leave, and we would no longer be there to push you. Now it’s here, and though you may be excited to go, and I suppose you should be, there are those who hurt and pray – oh, how we pray that you’ve learned. May the grace of God go with you.