We had a party at our house for three grandkids who graduated from High School today. I gave a short devotional to them during the party, and to all family members and friends who were there. Here is the gist of that devotional:

Our High School graduation marks the end of a chapter in our lives where the primary goal is to grow in knowledge. The years from 1st grade to 12th are organized and planned so that we move through layers of knowledge with increasing difficulty. There is a strategy and a system to facilitate as rapid a growth in knowledge as possible. 

According to the book of Proverbs in the Bible, wisdom is the most important thing in life. Wisdom is not acquired just by living and making mistakes. As my Dad used to say, “There are a lot of old fools running around.” Wisdom is acquired by those who pursue it systematically. Wisdom is acquired by people who know they need it and who seek it diligently. Wisdom is acquired by those who look around for people who obviously have it and seek counsel from them. People seeking wisdom like gold, silver, and precious treasure read a lot. Twelve years of schooling were organized and systematized with one goal in mind: knowledge. Without the structure of a school that enforced discipline, most wouldn’t learn much. But now, no structure or system exists that facilitates the learning of wisdom in the life of the graduate. Those who will acquire wisdom are those who establish the system and structure needed for themselves. They set reading, writing, and listening goals, including podcasts and seminars. Those w who grow in wisdom are humble lifelong learners, always seeking and never satisfied.