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Dear Shiloh Family,

The halls were lined with teachers and elementary-age students. The doors burst open as the familiar Pomp and Circumstance blared over the intercom. Simultaneously, the graduating seniors emerged donning navy and white caps and gowns. 

It was the annual graduation march at CES, and cheers erupted throughout the building as the parade snaked down one hall and up another. Siblings, relatives, friends, and former teachers offered congratulatory sentiments. 

Ordinarily, it would have been the typical mundane necessary ritual where I would have offered the token wave and “way-to-go” response. However, as the procession passed by, one-by-one former students, baseball players, football players, and current church members stepped out of line to give me a high-five, fist bump, or hug. The proverbial lump grew larger in my throat and before I knew it, I was fighting back tears. 

Upon reflection, I realized the unexpected emotion was due partly from a genuine love for these young men and women and partly from de ja vu of days gone by. It wasn’t far removed from the days when my own children walked the same corridors. I also realized how fortunate I was to have been given a few days of influence, good or bad, in the lives of these precious souls. What had I done with the valuable minutes and hours spent in and around their world? Had I squandered the opportunity to glorify God and lead them to Jesus? Did I seize the moments to impress on them that they were more valuable than academics, athletics, accolades, or even church attendance? Did we drive them toward Christ or the web of the world? 

Genesis 33:13 And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children are tender, and that the flocks and herds with me have their young: and if they overdrive them one day, all the flocks will die.

This Sunday, we will be honoring our graduates at Shiloh. Please, come support them and take time to encourage them. Admonish them to follow Jesus and find their way back home. We are so proud of all their accomplishments, but we are just as proud that they are one of us, and they are them. 

Matthew 5:16 Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
 
As the door of completion closes, the gate of opportunity swings wide. 

God bless you all,
Pastor Derrell