This little light of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine,
Let it shine,
Let it shine.
Dear Graduates,
You have been fortunate enough to have completed a degree, and you are now headed out into the world. Congrats! You've made it to this day by no accident. Along the way, you've learned things and gained skills that no one else has. Your experiences and struggles make you different, and your differences make you valuable. But, what good is value if it is not put to use? Let your light shine! My friends, you have everything you need to go out and do wonderful things for this world. Rather than thinking you need more to do more, think like JFK: "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
Politics aside, I challenge you to truly go into this next phase of your life selflessly. Yes, you need to get paid, and you would like to see a promotion in your future. However, you'll get much further focusing on others than you will on money. So, as you go out into the world and get jobs, lead organizations, and join different groups, take the torchbearer's creed with you: "One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others."
Just like the children's Bible study song about letting Jesus' light shine through us (which we should be doing) says, let this little light of yours shine! Don't hide it under a bushel. Take what you have, your torch, and offer its light to others. Use your talents, education, and God-given gifts to better your community, workplace, organization, or church. As Peter says in 1 Peter 4:10, "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's grace." You are equipped with the tools, information, and passion that you need to make change and improve the lives of those around you. So, do it! You will be rewarded in more ways than you can imagine and will continually be fulfilled regardless of your present situation if you accept your own worth and put it to work.
1 Timothy 4:14 says, "Do not neglect the gift you have, which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you." You are worth more than you will ever realize. You have talents that no one else has. You have something to offer the world; don't be selfish. Don't let these things go to waste! Be willing to shadow yourself to share your light with others, and before long someone else is likely to share their torch with you.
So, friends, without being cocky and without being selfish, take what you have into this world and make the most of it. No one can live this life like you, and no one's life would be the same without you. Be sure of your value, and use it to serve others. You have so much to share, teach, and say. Don't hide any of it under a bushel; put it to work!
Graduates, let your light shine!
