Last night, I watched 15 very different young men and women wearing black robes perform a ritual that is thousands of years old. There were music, and speeches, and awards, and this one time when they all stood up and walked around in a circle, getting a gift from the ring leader and going back to their original places. 

I'm talking about the Greenville Christian School Commencement Exercises for the Class of 2008. MY Senior class. Somehow, I was blessed to be the Senior Class sponsor for this wonderful collection of individuals. Some followers, some leaders. Some pleasers, some non-conformists. Some academicians, some more physically inclined. Some God-Seekers, others just aware that there was a God. All precious in God's, and in my sight (although moreso in God's because He sees what they WILL become, I only see what they CAN become). 

I cried last night. Each one of them, including "the three amigos." have brought joy, insight, challenges and encouragement, frustration and peace to my life this year. And, in one way or another, they reminded me of myself and my friends when I was in High School. I am smart enough to know that of the 15, some of them probably don't like me, and I'm a man enough to be a peace with that. I can handle it. I just hope that one day, when they get a little bit older, they realize that I DO love them, and want God's best for each of them. 

When you come to one of these days, you can't help but think back. To wonder if, in spite of all your mistakes, you accomplished the REAL joy of your salvation. To reflect God Almighty in some small, imperfect way - but enough for them to have met with God. This morning I got an email. It made me cry again... but that's ok, I've cried before and I'm sure I'll cry tons of more tears before I pass from this world to the next. In that email, from one of the God-Seekers, I got the confirmation I have been seeking from God. A message that, yes, despite all of the crap I've been through this year - from students, from other teachers, from administration and from board members - I HAD accomplished what MY goal of success was. In this student's words,     

"this year I have had a hard time mentally getting past the "God who holds grudges for years after repentance" and seeing the real     God... but I've been hurt one too many times by religion and I don't want anything else to do with it. That's another thing I have to     thank you for...the fact that you showed me God instead of religion." 

A better compliment could not have been written, as far as I'm concerned. Not any accolades for my teaching skills. Nor any flowing remarks about my ability to raise money quickly. No overriding compliment about how well I've handled difficulties such as Middle School math teachers talking badly about me (and other teachers) in her classroom to students. Or any persuasive argument about how I've been the best Bible teacher they've ever known. None of those things would have measured up to that last statement "you showed me God instead of religion." 

THAT is why I know I was called to teach... because I can put up with any of the bad... even a slight cut in pay next year... even a ban from coaching next year... even being under the gun with my contract next year. This year I had the opportunity to lead five students to Christ... one of them in the middle of class... I just stopped EVERYTHING, and allowed God to take over and when he was finished, one had accepted Christ, and two others came up later and talked about receiving Christ. And this senior, not knowing that I was questioning my ability to teach and if I had been a successful teacher during this moment of reflection on the past year(s) that graduation is, with six short words, put my fears and doubts behind me.  

Has anyone told YOU that you have shown them God instead of religion? Its an amazing feeling when they do, I promise you.