Graduations, and more graduations

So I have officially been a part of graduations at all the local levels. I attended 2highschool graduations last Saturday, a preschool graduation on Monday, a 5th grade graduation Tuesday night and now a kindergarten graduation this morning. What is the re-curring theme of all of these? Proud parents. Every time you attend a graduation you see kids who are proud to have a chance to show of their accomplishments and parents who are even prouder to see them. I watched kids last night get all dressed up and as they walk through the multi-purpose room they are looking hard for their loved ones, as well as their loved ones are looking hard for them.
In most instances they probably all left the house together. So they know what each other look like, they know what they are dressed in, yet they look hard. THere's sea of heads leaning over, stooping, or standing to see their child walking along. Why? Why if we know what they look like and how they dressed? Because we want them to know we are there, and they want to know that we are there. It's much like a child calling out for a parent in the night, there is far more comfort in just knowing that parent is there than there is true safety.
So, if there is an event that your kid is involved in, or taking part in that you can be at. Do it! Get there early, get a good seat and make sure they know that there is no where else you would rather be.
I have parents comment to me a lot about how much they feel like their kids like me. How they want me there, they want me around and they talk to me more than them. Graduations are a prime example of that not being true at all. I go eat lunch at the schools and kids are excited to see me, they call out my name, save me a seat or just run over and give me a high five. Whatever the move they are happy to see me. BUt, at grauation they look right through me, as if I'm not there. Whether highschool, middle school or preschool. THe kids want their moms and dads to be as proud of their accomlishments as they are.
So take it from me, the pastor/youth pastor that your kids want to hang out with. WHen it comes to the important stuff, they don't want anyone but you, their parents, in the crowd sharing the moment with them and that is exactly how it is supposed to be! Have a great day!