From Ruth Heilman, Minister of Music …
“But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.” Acts 20:24 (ESV)
Paul wrote these words as he prepared to share the Gospel with both the Jews and the Greeks, knowing that he would experience imprisonment and afflictions along the way. By the power of the Holy Spirit, he was compelled to pack his bags and hit the road, sharing the saving message of Christ everywhere he went.
I was driving near my home today and happened to see an old stone mile marker. I thought about the origins of the road and those who had passed the same way over the centuries. York Road was created for wagon travel in the 1740’s, to connect the new settlement of York, Pennsylvania, to the port of Baltimore. They could never have imagined cars, stores, banks, and restaurants along the same path. Our German exchange student once commented that York Road embodied America to her – big and wide open, and filled with opportunities. Perhaps the colonial travelers felt the same way.
It’s the time of year when many students stop to examine where they are along the road of life. Spring concerts, athletic championships, awards nights, and graduations are times to celebrate milestones. They are marked by commitment and devotion, celebrating months and years of hard work. As these young men and women march forward along life’s journey, I pray that they will remember the message in Hebrews 12, which says, “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Congratulations and God’s Blessings to each and every graduate, from PreSchool through Grad School. Now it’s time to strive toward the next milestone, hit the road, run the race, and share the love of God with every step.