“I Graduated!”—And I’m Still Getting Ready

Getting ready for my 'Next'

“I graduated!” I’ve had the joy of saying that phrase more than once in my life—and it still brings a smile to my face.

I graduated many years ago from what was then Bacon Primary School. I graduated from Bradwell Institute in 1987. Then came Savannah State University—twice! Once in 2006 with my Bachelor of Social Work, and again in 2007 with my Master of Social Work. I’m grateful for each of those moments and the growth they represent. Over the years, I’ve watched classmates and colleagues go on to earn doctoral degrees, and I’ve celebrated many friends and family members as they pursue their own academic goals.

As I write this blog, my family and I are preparing to travel to Clarksville, Tennessee, to attend my nephew’s high school graduation. His brother graduated just last year, and in a couple of years, my baby sister’s teens will be walking across their own stages. Graduation season has truly arrived again—and it always reminds me of how special these moments are.

On Sunday, May 18, Live Oak Church hosted our annual Graduation Service. It was, in a word, amazing. There’s nothing like cheering for each student as their name is called, watching them walk confidently across the stage, and hearing about all they’ve accomplished and what’s next for them. We celebrated a first cousin’s granddaughter who graduated as valedictorian—what a proud moment! During the service, our pastor reminded them (and all of us) to trust and depend on God for the journey ahead.

Graduation is not the end—it’s a transition. A stepping stone. A signal that one chapter is complete and another is beginning. Whether a graduate is moving from kindergarten to first grade, high school to the military, or college to a new career, they are progressing forward. My prayer is for every graduate to succeed—but even more, for each one of us to consider: What are we really preparing for?

Because while degrees are important… they’re not the only thing we need to prepare for.

Life here on Earth is temporary. As we celebrate these academic milestones, let’s not forget the eternal one. Tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. I still remember how a few of my classmates from Bradwell didn’t make it to graduation. That’s the sobering reality of life—it’s fragile. So I can’t write this blog without talking about the goodness of God and the ultimate preparation we all need to make.

Jesus Christ suffered, died, and rose again so that we could be saved and have eternal life. In Luke 12, Jesus shares a parable about a wealthy man who had so much earthly gain, he planned to tear down his barns just to build bigger ones. He thought he had plenty of time. He told himself, “Eat, drink, and be merry.” But God said, “Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee.” (Luke 12:20)

That man was rich in possessions, but poor in spirit. He had prepared for everything but eternity.

I can’t help but think of how today, people pay thousands of dollars each year for storage space—holding on to things they don’t need, while so many around them are in need. What are we storing up? What are we holding onto? And what are we truly preparing for?

Graduation reminds us that advancement is possible. We can grow, learn, move forward. And spiritually, as long as we have breath in our bodies, it’s not too late. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us...” (1 John 1:9)

Yes, I proudly walked across the stage when I graduated. But this world is not my final home. I’m living now—loving, serving, and growing in Christ—so that one day, I’ll walk on streets of gold. And when I receive my crown, I won’t keep it. I’ll place it at the feet of Jesus.

So to every graduate: congratulations! And to every reader—young or old—ask yourself today:

What are you doing to prepare for what’s next?