I was reminded this morning by a friend still living in my home town of Rossford, Ohio that it was 40 years ago today that we graduated from High School in the class of 1980.

After the shock wore off that it was 40 years already, it occurred to me that Payton is graduating from High School on this very date as well. 40 years ago I would never have thought that I would have a child graduating in 2020.

40 years has been a vapor, it’s gone, but the realization of 40 years past reminds me that eternity is real and the promise of a new Heaven and a new Earth is too. Romans 13:11 comes to mind, “And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”

Now, I do want to mention that Payton had invitations ready to bring and distribute at church on May 17th, even though her graduation ceremony this evening is limited to parents and guardians only. I think she mailed a few to those who she knew were not planning on being at the Chapel on that day.

Payton has grown up with us at CrossHope Chapel and she wanted to include you all in this benchmark life event by at least letting you know that hasn’t forgotten about the part you have played in her spiritual upbringing. I am very proud of her and love her, and know that this pandemic crises has been trying for her.

Last Saturday Faith Academy had a special day for the class of 2020 with a final walk-thru of the campus and awarding the graduates for their hard work and accomplishments. Payton received several “cords” that meant something regarding her GPA, which was actually above 4.0 because of her advanced classes and college work. (She got her smarts from her beautiful mother because everyone knows that Italians are more heart than brains.)

Payton’s 6:00 PM graduation ceremony this evening is going to be available via live stream only, but anyone can view it at Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lifechurchmobile/ or through YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeChurchLiveMobile. Of course, when we are back to meeting on May 31, 20202 I’m sure we’ll cover all the details, too.

Allow me to also thank you, as the church family of CrossHope Chapel, for being there for myself and my family. I truly cherish you all and thank God for you, and am looking forward to getting back together in fellowship on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020, as we are able and well.