Sunday, November 9, 2014

graduation day






The Four Freshmen were a huge influence on Brian Wilson with their melodies.  One song of their’s that I always remember is Graduation Day, “we’ll remember always, graduation day...”  in perfect harmony.  Which is ironic for me since I skipped my high school graduation.  With my parent’s blessing.  it was in Jersey, raining, so the event was moved indoors to the gym, which had no air.  My excuse for not going was accepted, and I went to the movies with a friend to see a movie that had just come out, The Godfather.  An offer I couldn’t refuse.  But how times have changed, and today we celebrate graduating from kindergarten, sixth grade, junior high, and if you cannot go to college, hair school.  To some it is a sign of accomplishment, to others a time to finally leave home and do what they want, while the little brother finally gets your room.  For some the future lies ahead, for others the good old days have come and gone, it was all about high school, and without reunions they would be lost in their new world.  But graduations also come in other forms, from graduating from a 500 to a 750, from a Chevy to a Cadillac, or from diapers to big boy pants.  For all a day to remember, for some a day never to forget.
Today a good friend was released from prison on parole today.  He did his time, and is looking forward to getting back into society after paying his debt.  Some may say prison changed him, but it was really Jesus Christ, who works his miracles in jail and out.  But while picking him up I had to wait, and it was visitors day.  So many young mothers with children, excited to see their husbands or dads, all dressed to the dress code, and going through the same check in their dad goes through every day.  A game of sorts for the young ones, having a wand passed over them, and then going through the gates.  But my 8 o’clock release time turned into 930, which was better than the 11am they said it could be, so I saw some coming and going.  And what a difference a visit makes.  Those smiles and excitement had been changed to tears and shame watching them leave.  Waving goodbye to dad through the fence, ever wondering when dad will come home.  And my heart broke for a young boy, about 8, crying hard, but yet trying to be a man for his mom.  He was exhausted by the fact he was leaving his dad behind, and there were probably no words his mother could console him with.  It may not have been his first visit, or his last, but experience doesn’t make them any easier, it just makes you harder.  A memory I wish I didn’t have, if only his dad could see the effect of his sin on his family. 
Another young girl was waiting next to me, dressed up and very pretty.  I could only imagine the reunion that awaited, and I wondered what could such a pretty girl see in a druggie, this was a Rehabilitation Prison.  I notice she didn’t have on a ring, I don’t know if she was married, but was pretty enough to be asked out by many.  Was she pure in her mate’s absence, what went through his mind when in jail?  All because they took a little too much drink, tried drugs, and got caught.  You can almost hear the melodic “It will never happen to me,” among them, yet the prisons are filled with those who did and were.  But this was his graduation day, and I pray he never has to go back, just as I pray the father of this little boy gets out soon and has learned his lesson.  Drunks never start off thinking they will become one, no one sets out to be a drug addict, yet they end up that way.  Human debris to society,  and where once it was the lower class doing drugs, now it has infected all walks of life.  Is getting high or stone really worth the cost?  Is your family worth it?  This little boy obviously loved his dad, how many programs at school has he missed?  How many holidays?  How many father and son events?  Did he ever think what his son would tell his friends when they asked “what’s you dad do?”  Could he answer “10 to 20.”  Yet they love their dads irregardless, and I wonder, if love can cover a multitude of sins, where is Jesus? 
The fact is he never left, from the first toke to the last drink, he hung in there with them.  He is the husband to the wife, the father to the child, and the savior to the lost.  Yet many will not turn to him, feeling that God would never forgive them.  Their sin is to great, when the loving arms of Jesus are extended out and welcoming them in.  NO sin with the exception of rejecting Jesus is unforgiveable.  He forgives as we are, loves us as we are, and then wants us to change to accept all the blessings he has for us.  He reunites us to the father we have in heaven, and cries out to us be saved.  Turn from your sin.  Hosanna!  Yet many will die without him, separated by their sin, when freedom is offered for free.  For those that Jesus sets free are free indeed, and even though chain link fences and walls may separate them from loved ones, nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.  Read Romans 8:28, see if there is anything you battle, and see if it is separating you from God.  And his love.  Ask him to save you, and watch as you graduate from sin to savior.  From darkness to light, from death to life.  Only Jesus saves.  Are you listening? 
The little boy and lady were nameless to me, but not to Christ.  You may be that lost one, the one behind jail.  Or on the outside suffering.  Kids need their dads, wives need their husbands and we all need Jesus.  You may be dressed to the tens or in worn out jeans, clothes don’t make the person, only Jesus does.  Let him make that difference in you today, the final exam being “who do you say Jesus is?”  Peter answered correctly, “tough art the Lord.”  We get to call him wonderful counselor, master, savior, and by his first name Jesus.  And we get to call him friend....
Are you doing time or wasting time?  Today may be the time you come to Jesus, and find freedom from sin.  Where you are forgiven, and where your name is written, not typed in the book of life.  In big letters by a loving God.  Next to it paid in full, found innocent and forgiven.  Some prisons have walls, don’t let anything stand between you and Jesus.  It will be awhile before I forget that little boy, Jesus never will.  If only his dad had thought of that.
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com