Article May 23, 2016 Issue

Commencement—looking forward with spiritual vision

Brian Webster

It is a rite of passage—the consummation of years of dedicated effort. Every year millions of people walk across a stage to receive a diploma or degree commemorating what may be the biggest achievement of their lives so far. These events often signal beginnings and embarking on life’s future journeys. Hence, the term commencement seems apt.

Following the celebrations, many launch into the world with the highest of hopes and grandest of visions, contemplating how they’ll leave their mark on the world—discovering breakthroughs, inspiring humanity, or bringing help to those in need. How can we stay on the surest path to achieve these goals?

We might set out to change the world, but we need to be alert not to let the world change us. We need to be clear that we don’t live in a do-it-yourself world, driven by human pride and ego, and we need to look beyond a personal sense of achievement, which may lead to feelings of limitation or make us think that we are too insignificant to contribute at all in such a huge world.

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