Baccalaureate Speech

I try to be sensitive to church-state issues, even when no one else has problems.  I fretted for a while about a proper commencement scripture for my town's High School Baccalaureate (yes, it's a Christian-based service in my part of the world).  For any others looking for Scriptures that are not expressly narrowly religious or come-to-Jesus, here's my 60-second scripture and speech:

From the Prophet Jeremiah 6:16 (NRSV)

Thus says the Lord:
“Stand at the crossroads,
And look,
And ask for the ancient paths,
Where the good way lies;
Then walk in it and find rest for your souls.”

As graduates, you stand at a crossroads today,
The wind is at your back, many paths and choices before you.
My parting words for you are simply to know your story
to think and reflect on how you got here.
Everyone has a story, a good one or a difficult one.
Whatever your faith tradition is,
you have an ancient story too.

As you prepare to take that first step past this point,
know that you have a choice
You can repeat the mistakes of the past,
or choose new paths that lead to life.
The world is open before you.
May you find assurance and peace knowing
that no matter what you choose
you are never alone in your journey.
Amen.