Job 8:18

If its place should uproot it,

   And deny it saying “I know you not”,

(Written 5/26, Posted 6/1)

My oldest is now a full-fledged adult having now graduated high school. We are very proud of her, but she is now not my problem, but my opportunity. No longer a child, but not alone in the world. At the ceremony her friend gave a speech that included the advice to be proud of what you accomplish, nothing in life is permanent, and the applicable one for today: Do not be afraid to rely on someone else. We cannot achieve all God has for us on our own.

Instead of “uproot”(2), some sources had “destroy”(4), “turned”, or “snatched”.  I used uprooted because we were dealing with roots before. ‘Place”(7) was also spot, but…

“Deny”(7) was “disown” so again…

“I know you not” came from my least favorite poetic source, but “I never saw you”(7) does not carry what I believe to be the intimate intent to shadow when Christ declared this same phrase for those who never got to know Him in the New Testament.

My kid’s high school class had about 870 graduates with about 43% getting cum laude or better recognition. Along with the decorative chords that came with these awards, there was a plethora of other awards that the kids were able to wear. It was a sea of commendations. I feel justified in picking this neighborhood and its schools for my kids oh so long ago as I recently read this level of community achievement is the best thing we can do for our kids, statistically. My kid at one point before high school discussed the goal of being valedictorian, but as soon as she started picking classes, she chose a path that would expand her horizons and not allow this particular achievement. I was proud of her when she first made that decision, and I am proud of her now for the quality of the big decisions she has made since.

Next up for her academically is college and I have tried to help her chose the best path for her, but when the next set of big decisions is ready to be made, I know she will rely on someone else who is more reliable. God is faithful to those who rely on Him and the work He does through the Holy Spirit. If any of us never get anything right but that, we will achieve more than we dreamed possible.