Graduation Speech

I was asked by my Aunt Debbie a few months ago, if I would be willing to serve as the motivational speaker at my alma mater. I accepted, and so now I will be speaking to approximately a record breaking graduating class of 17. Yes, we were all home schooled.

And so, I find myself thinking about what I should say to these starry-eyed soon to be graduates. This, is attempt number one, of what I will say that evening.


There's a point in every life, where change is eminent, looming ahead. It is here that you find yourselves tonight. You have finished a significant chapter in your lives, and life as you have known it, will change. You are not the only ones who have faced the challenge of change, in fact there is an excellent example of a person who had spent a lifetime preparing for one significant moment, and when that moment had passed, was forced to face the future. This person comes from a very enlightening and thought provoking story, The Princess Bride.

All good examples for speeches can come from this movie, and tonight is no exception. For it is in the character of Inigo Montoya. For twenty years, Inigo had studied the craft of swordsmanship. He studied this for a purpose, to avenge the death of his father. And at the climax of the movie, Inigo slays the six fingered man who wrongfully executed his father. But I want to fast forward to a few scenes later, where Inigo, having fulfilled his purpose at that time, stands in a tower of the castle looking out a window. He is faced with a question, "Where do I go from here?"

You, yourselves, will be continually asking such a question as each significant chapter in your life closes. There is a crossroads in your life, and you must decide where to go. But this is the exciting moment, it's not one to be feared, it's not one to be worried over, for you have been given a gift. It's where you've come from. It's your heritage. You, were home schooled.

Not many in this world can say such things, not many have parents who cared enough to not only go over that algebra problem once, twice, but thirty-three times! Not many can boast that they have had the guidance of Christ in their learning. And it is in these significant factors, you will find guidance. It is from these significant factors, you will be able to make a choice that leads you on the path less traveled.

Inigo's studies had prepared him for meeting the challenge of the six fingered man, but it had prepared him for so much more than this one moment. Could it be that there was something bigger waiting out there for Mr. Montoya? As the scene continues to play out, Inigo voices this question to Westley, the hero of the story. He tells him that after spending so many years training, he does not know where to go from here. Westley then extends an invitation to Inigo to try something bigger, that will allow Inigo to use his skills, piracy.

Now, I am not suggesting that you take your education and try your hand at criminal activities, but I am suggesting that there will be opportunities extended to you from a much bigger character in the story of life. God is taking you on a journey, but he is a gracious guide. He extends invitations to go to exciting and new places. He continually provides a chance for you to exercise your gifts, talents, and abilities, though they may be something you never even imagined.

Back in the tower, you see Inigo take in the information Westley has presented before him as Westley dives out of the window and onto the back of a horse. It is at this moment that I want to freeze the frame. Inigo has a choice, he can either choose to jump down onto a horse and ride away to his new future, or he could choose to stay where he is at. The choice is his. He has studied, accomplished a great goal, and now could comfortably walk away. Or, he could choose to accept the challenge of becoming a part of something even bigger. It is in this moment that he will answer the question, "where do I go from here?"

Colleges, Universities, and jobs are out there waiting for your answer. Will you choose to take your skills and abilities, your hard work instilled in you from your parents and accept the challenge to become a part something bigger? Or will you allow yourself to slip quite comfortably into the familiar and supposedly safe life you've always known? God has offered you opportunities, He longs to walk down that narrow path together with you, are you up for such an adventure?

Inigo's choice is quickly made, with a shrug of his shoulders, he plunges out of the tower window and rides off with the rest on a journey of a lifetime. Though the movie is over at this point, we all know that in reality, the story is only beginning. May God bless your stories as you face the decision of where to go from here.

Thoughts? Do you think home schoolers will appreciate this? Is the challenge strong enough? Is it motivational enough? Feedback is always appreciated. =)