The Class of 2022—including high school, college and post-graduate students—across the state rightly received the recognition for all their educational achievements.

As part of this chapter of life, many students and young adults took part in commencement events that will include long speeches with advice to live by. Rather than compose my own commencement letter to the Class of 2022, I wish to highlight a few pearls of wisdom in the form of quotes that may have meaning to their lives, as well as others.

On beginnings & endings

“The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride”—King Solomon (Eccl. 7:8).

On the chapters of life

“Whoever, in middle age, attempts to realize the wishes and hopes of his early youth, invariably deceives himself. Each 10 years of a man’s life has its own fortunes, its own hopes, its own desires”—Johann von Goethe, German poet and writer.

On Christianity

“I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen, not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else”—C.S. Lewis, Christian writer.

On desire

“In our greed for more, we may lose what we already have”—Aesop, author of Aesop’s Fables.

On freedom

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free”—President Ronald Reagan.

On giving

“Having, first, gained all you can, and, secondly saved all you can, then give all you can”—John Wesley, Christian evangelist.

On perseverance

“Never give up. Never, never”— Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

On priorities

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”—The Lord Jesus Christ (Matt. 6:33).

On reading

“It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between”—C.S. Lewis, Christian writer.

On religion & morality

“Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports”—President George Washington.

On time & eternity

“Time moves so quickly, and no matter who we are or what we have done, the time will come when our lives will be over. As Jesus said, ‘As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work’”—Billy Graham, Christian evangelist.

May these, and other thought gems you have heard, prove helpful to the graduates and to you. Finally, to the Class of 2022, we say congratulations and may the Lord bless you in all your endeavors!

P.S. Among the many High School Graduates in the Class of 2022 is my own daughter Alice, who is a great writer and even better young lady. Congratulations, my daughter! Your mother and I sure love you…