I found a verse a few years ago while looking for a good “graduation verse”. It is still my favorite piece of advice to give a graduate. It’s found in Matthew 10:16. It says, “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent a doves.” What great advice to give a child that you love as they go out into the big bad world. We want them to be wise and on guard, like snakes, but to keep their innocence.
I have shared this verse with graduates and think it is so appropriate, but I wanted to understand why Jesus said this and who he was talking to. In Matthew 10, Jesus is getting ready to send his apostles out to spread the gospel. He had trained them and cared for them and guided them. Much like we as parents do for our children. He was getting ready to send them out into the World. He knew they would face challenges. The advice he gave them really resonated with me as I reread this passage today.
I have been pretty overwhelmed lately. It is 100 percent MY FAULT. I’m trying to do too many things and there are so many things that need to be done. Not everything that I’m doing is important or a necessity…I’m getting caught up with little details when I’ve got major things that need to be done. I’ve lost my peace.