You Don’t Walk the Stage Alone

Courtney Blacksten

May 7, 2025

Reading

As a result, we aren’t supposed to be infants any longer, who can be tossed and blown about by every wind that comes from teaching with deceitful scheming and the tricks people play to deliberately mislead others. Instead, by speaking the truth with love, let’s grow in every way into Christ.
Ephesians 4:14–15

Reflection

Graduation season is marked by joy and celebration! We celebrate graduates who have worked for years—learning, studying, completing projects and papers, taking tests, and gaining knowledge. It all culminates on graduation day, when they walk across the stage and receive their diploma.

But no one gets to graduation day alone. Each graduate is surrounded by family, teachers, coaches, mentors, directors, and friends who have encouraged and supported them along the way. As followers of Jesus, we also recognize the work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of our graduates. Each one has experienced life transitions and hardships that were difficult to endure, but the Holy Spirit has been present through it all—drawing them closer to Christ.

So, when it comes to graduation, it’s not just the academic achievements we celebrate—it’s the person they’ve become through Christ.

This past Sunday, during the 10:45 a.m. worship service, we recognized and prayed for our graduating high school seniors. Later that evening, one of our members, Nicole Mourning, shared a beautiful reflection on Facebook about celebrating the person her son has become through the work of the Holy Spirit and the church. She wrote:

“Acts 2 – United Methodist Church has been our home base since Will was 2… from Sunday school as a toddler, to camp and youth… learning to serve… confirmation, as a confirmand and a youth mentor… mission trips, and helping with VBS… it has shaped who he is—not just what he believes, but how to be a kind human… my tears today were grateful ones, knowing that one of the reasons he’s so ready to launch is because of this place.”

Our graduating seniors’ lives are a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit at work across a lifetime. God is present with us through the Holy Spirit every single day. We never have to face hardships alone—because God is with us.

We have a guide as we face life transitions—whether moving to college, starting a new job, or even entering retirement. And we have a companion to celebrate both the big and small moments of life. Because God is with us.

As you close your reflection time today, take a moment to consider where you’ve seen the work of the Holy Spirit in your life this week. For each revelation, take a deep breath in and let it out, praying:
“Thank you, God.”

Prayer
God, you are so good. Thank you for your presence in my life. Even when I don’t see the work of your Spirit around me, I trust that you are with me. Guide my eyes to see your movement in, through, and around me each day so that I may follow you more closely. Amen.