Looking back on my graduation, I had this to say.
For those of us who decided to go to university, I ask this, why did you go?
To get a degree? To experience the university culture? To make memories you’ll never forget?
Looking around, I see so many friends and memories that have been made, right through from the last few months at university, to the loved ones who have supported me all my life. Friendship, I think, is just one of the many ingredients to an enjoyable life, and it’s almost impossible to get through parts of our life, let alone university, without them.
Mark Twain once said “Good friends, good books, and a sleepy conscience: this is the ideal life.”
I hope that, as we disperse off into different parts of the world, that we would be able to continue to grow with those we’ve met along the way, and never forget them.
As a Christian, I’m reminded of Jesus who knew the value of ultimate friendship, friendship that surpasses distance, cultures, and even life itself, and he offers each of us this friendship today.
In the Bible in John 15:13, he says: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” He then goes on “You are My friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you.”
My prayer today, as we’re reminded of the friendships we’ve made at university and beyond, that we might remember this unconditional friendship Jesus offers us and that we might continue to appreciate those who have loved and supported us throughout this journey through life.