It is the midst of the night. Graduation celebrations are in full swing. Teenagers are all living it up. Many are breaking loose and shaking off the frustrations of their school routines. And they deserve the celebration. Parents are going to bed, or already asleep. Younger siblings have already been tucked into their beds.

At this time of year, this is the scene playing out in people’s lives.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.”

The Bible says there is a time for everything. We know this is a time of happiness, of joy, or pride in our children, of celebration. 

Recently, my son graduated. He did so much better than I expected or dreamt he would do. Receiving multiple cords, he went beyond just the core-40. He actually surprised everyone, including himself, by achieving technical honors.

WOW!

I am so very proud of him. But I am also so greatly thankful to the Lord. You see, my son achieved all of what he did, but only because of the Lord in his life.

Remember what it says in Philippians 4:13 (NKJV) … “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” And in Ephesians 5:20 (NKJV) … “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,”

The thankfulness goes beyond the graduation itself. It also encompasses the days and weeks afterwards. It is for keeping him safe during those days. 

You see, graduation weekend tends to be one of the most dangerous ones for teens. Parties are in full swing. But how many of those offer alcoholic beverages?

According to statistics by NHTSA.gov on drunk driving, 13,384 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2021. That is a 14% increase from 2020. 

Promises.com wrote on Prom Night Teen Drinking Facts. They cited that “Statistics show that roughly one-third of alcohol-related teen traffic fatalities occur between April and June — the peak of prom and graduation season.”

One of my son’s friends was involved in one such head-on collision with a drunk driver, although she had not been drinking. The accident severely injured her, and she will likely be in therapy for the next year. 

The next day, the tire blew out of the car as my son was driving home. A near accident for him, he pulled into a parking lot. He and the car are both fine. 

I give these to show that we don’t have to be drinking to suffer in accidents. We don’t know with what suddenness or when what will happen. We don’t know how it will happen. Nor do we don’t know who it will happen to. 

So, as Ecclesiastes 3:12 (NKJV) states, “I know that nothing is better for them than to rejoice, and to do good in their lives,”

And as we all celebrate, let us always remember to be thankful to our Holy Father.

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