I heard about one high school graduation. As the ceremonies began the class stood as one and chanted, “Let John graduate … let John graduate.” The principal called John up and said, “John, this is your last chance. I have five apples in my right hand and five apples in my left hand; how many apples do I have?”

John pondered for a couple of minutes and then tentatively answered, “Ten.”

It was silent in the auditorium then the class started chanting again, “Give John another chance … give John another chance.”

It has been a long time since I graduated from anything. One thing I have thought about over the years is whether or not graduation is the beginning of something or the end. Now, obviously it is the end of something but whether or not it is the beginning of something, at least something good, is up to the graduate,

Here are a few things that will help graduation be a beginning. Find your life’s passion. It is healthy to have a cause that you believe is worth fighting for. Let your passion be worthwhile; pursue that which has eternal meaning. If you are fortunate enough to be able to combine your passion with your profession that is all the better.

Don’t take yourself too seriously. The result of putting yourself on a pedestal can be catastrophic. Just ask Humpty Dumpty. Always be able to laugh at yourself and laugh with others. No matter how much good you do you will be awfully lonesome if you see yourself as better than everyone else. The Bible calls it putting others ahead of ourselves.

That thought includes treating everyone with courtesy and giving thanks for services rendered. I hate to tell you this but you are not better than anyone else for all your learning, wealth and degrees. When anyone does you a kindness, thank him or her for it. When you meet the workman on the street, remember what he or she does for you. Too many people get uppity with people in the service industries who are doing their jobs to the best of their ability. When things go wrong, don’t shoot the messenger. Remember no matter how inconvenient the situation may be you probably won’t even remember it next week.

Yes, graduation is a beginning and whether or not it is the door of opportunity or the door of doom is up to each graduate. You have the tools for life but only experience will hone those tools for success. If your passion is for money you are already in trouble. You will never be able to get enough. Success will always be around the corner. If your passion is for service to others you cannot lose.

Congratulations! Go take the world by the tail, just don’t expect folks to give you anything you don’t work for.