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This is a time of year when you receive numerous graduation invitations in the mail. There is an air of anticipation and excitement everywhere. Congratulations to all our graduates, military and civilian! I have collected a few quotations meant for graduates that I would like to give you now.

“What you are is God’s gift to you and what you do with what you are is your gift to God.” - George Foster

“If you wouldn’t write it and sign it, don’t say it.” - Earl Wilson

“The person who is wrapped up in himself is generally overdressed.” - Unknown

“Do not fear what may happen to you tomorrow. The same father who cares for you today will care for you tomorrow and every other day. Either he will shield you from suffering or he will give you the unfailing strength to bear it. Be at peace then and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginings.” - Francis de Sales

"Impress your friends and neighbors by learning to say you are sorry and admitting your mistakes. Speaking of mistakes, make many, but avoid duplication."
"Remember that there is more to life than this life. Don't run your roots too deeply here. Don't buy too much stock in the here and now. Downsize your empire. Store up treasures in heaven where the dividends are guaranteed. Don't sell your soul for a cup of porridge. Don't be a nincompoop." - Ron Carlson

The greatest of all comes from the mouth of our Lord Jesus Christ…

"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - The Lord Jesus Christ in Matt 6:19-21

And what greater words can there be for us when we move on to the next phase in our life? As time goes on, the things in our life increase. Along with our education there is the addition of a car, a job, a house, a spouse, a family, a retirement account, and the list goes on and on.

But, the thing about many of these things is they are temporal. They are of this earth. As Jesus said, they will be destroyed by moth and rust. What the moth and rust doesn't get will be destroyed by fire when Christ returns again.

So, it all we do, we must remember to keep our priorities straight and remember what is most important in life. Your Godly character, your role as a loving spouse, a focused parent, and a supportive Christian brother or sister is what matters most. It is these sorts of things that will have an eternal impact beyond this life. It is these sorts of things that are unaffected by moth and rust.

So, remember in all the planning that we do as we move on to the next phase of our life that God should still be at the center as always.