Graduation or Not, May God be Glorified
At the beginning of this year, my final year of high school, I had many expectations for the coming months. Even long before then, I had caught glimpses of what my senior year might look like by watching my brother and his friends successfully finish their high school careers. I had patiently waited and anticipated this season, excited for the last memories that I would make with the people who have become such a large part of my life. While I have never looked forward to saying goodbye to the last twelve years of my life, I have always been eager to start this new chapter and see where God leads me in the years ahead. Never did I, nor anyone, expect it to end like this. However, instead of dwelling on the things that I cannot change, I hope to seek out a new perspective, one centered around my faith in God rather than the expectations of the world.
As I look at how God is teaching me during this time, I have quickly learned – as I am sure many of you have – how often I take for granted the simplest things. For me, it’s things like a consistent routine, the ability to go eat with friends or even going to school. In the same way, I am learning to count my blessings in every moment, even in this time of worry and change. So I’m taking the time to reflect on what I am especially thankful for now – a healthy family, the ability to stay connected with others even in isolation, family dinners, movie nights, but most of all, I’m giving thanks for my Savior who never ceases to show his love for me.
I have also been reminded that, while it is easy to have faith in God when things are going the way we expect or want them to, it is harder when things are so uncertain. I am reminded that where the world sees chaos, confusion, and loss, we as believers should see an opportunity to glorify Him in a new light. We are called to be examples of Christ so that others may come to know Him. Seeing as I will soon be transitioning to college and a life of independence, I am especially grateful for this reminder that He is in control; even if things don’t look the way I expect them to, it doesn’t change the fact that I was put on this earth for the purpose of bringing praise and honor to my Savior.
In spite of my hopes for what my senior year of high school would be like, I am confident that God continues to go before us, even in the midst of this global pandemic. Nevertheless, this is an especially difficult time for the class of 2020. So, to those who may see our loss as insignificant, I ask that you recognize our frustration. Be patient with us, let us grieve for what we are missing, and grieve with us. But also encourage us, help us strengthen our faith in our Savior and Provider, even when what lies ahead is not clear.
And to the class of 2020, I want to say how saddened and frustrated I am for us: for the goodbyes that have yet to be said, stages yet to be walked, and caps yet to be thrown (and for the tears that would be shed by our parents as “Pomp and Circumstance” plays). But I am even more sure and hopeful that God will be glorified through this unprecedented time. I have faith that the one who molded us in His hands, the Creator of our world, has paved our paths. Even if we cannot see what lies ahead, I know that He has our best interest at heart.
“In this world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
In Christ,
Carly Necessary
Carly will (virtually) graduate from Scott County High School on June 13 and plans to attend the University of Kentucky in the Fall. She, along with Buck Run’s other 2020 graduates, will be recognized in tomorrow morning’s 10:45 am live-stream of the worship service.