Graduation-Commencement: What I learned, and What's Next?

I graduated last week, with a two for one deal.  I got my MBA and B.S. in Music Business all in one fail swoop.  I walked across the stage, and just like that, I was handed two very expensive sheets of paper.  It was over. It was done. 

Graduation is the closing of a chapter.  Graduation signifies that you have become ready to face the next season and the next chapter of life.  I believe that many of us see graduation as the end when it is just the beginning.  It's called commencement for a reason.

Over the last season of my life with my commencement approaching, everyone asks what's next? They ask about the future, and what you have to look forward to.  This is a beginning after all. 

However, today I ask, why has no one asked, "What have you learned?"  I have graduated from this college season, that should ultimately prepare me for my new beginning. 

Two many times, I've seen people quick to hurry to their "next," without taking the time to reflect on what got us there. 

Through faith, I know that God has prepared me for my next, my next-next, and my next-next-next.  Therefore, sometimes the past is the key to discovering what's next.

The past season of my life at college is a story of tremendous growth with the Lord.  I want to talk about that! And sure, if you then want to hear what's next, I'll gladly tell you what I know.  I know some details, but mainly I know what's next is mainly the same, tremendous growth with the Lord through different circumstances. 

So, you ask, What did I learn?

I learned how to deal with roommate conflict (living with four other girls in an apartment is never easy)

I learned that no one is perfect...not even my best friends

I learned that I'm not perfect...I'm selfish and prideful, what a tough pill to swallow.

I learned that when you plan an event, it almost never goes the way you plan, just like life.

I learned that God is the greatest friend of all.

I learned how to celebrate and rejoice when immense blessings come into my life

I learned how to grieve and mourn at the feet of Jesus when heartache is present

I learned how to better lead my peers, through positivity and grit.

I learned that professors are some of the greatest friends and role models life could offer.

I learned that at the end of the day, it's just me and God, and that's better than okay.

I learned that God knows what you need, and ultimately He is enough for me.

I learned how to work better with others, through countless trial and error.

I learned how to be a better friend.

I learned how to be a better daughter.

I learned how to be a better student.

I was tested, I was molded, and I was changed. 

I gained freedom from lies, and strongholds in my life, and I gained knowledge in how to fight and persevere through the thorns in my side. 

Looking back, I see many trials that I've been through the past five years, but then I see the person God has made me be through those, and I wouldn't change them for the world. 

I'm on the path to being mature and complete, like James 1:2-4. 

So, What's next? 

I'm on the path of redemption.  I want to be a small part in redeeming the world.

I'm on the path of God's glory.  God will be glorified in my life, whether I'm apart of it or not.

I'm on a path of trials but ultimately victory, because my God is on my team. 

I know some details, but not all.  However, I know the big picture. 

This path leads me closer to God, and that is a victory.  God is enough.  And as long as I'm on a journey with God, becoming more mature and complete, that's okay with me.