Ceremonies Friday night left something to be said. Proceedings were to take promptly at 7pm on the football field. Skies were very ominous and gray. It had been raining in the surrounding towns all day. However, no rain to be recorded in the town set for graduation. I had been praying all day for the rain to hold off so that all the family and friends that had planned on coming could enjoy the festivities. My husband had left work early and was going to be able to be there on time. Many family and friends gathered. Seats were chosen and cameras were ready. Clouds were still looming and the wind had picked up, but everything was still on schedule. Matt was in his graduation robe and was awaiting with his class members to enter and walk onto the field. Pomp and Circumstance began to play and everyone in the stands arose while the graduate procession entered. Everything was moving along smoothly. The superintendent, principal and the val/salutatorian gave their speeches. We were graced with a song by two students from the senior class. Matt was waving at the crowd from time to time and of course always smiling. Thank you Lord, we are going to get through w/o any bad weather. Matt and the others lined up to be announced and proceed to accept their diplomas. "Oh my gosh!!, what was that?" Thunder and wind and before I or anyone else could blink an eye it was POURING RAIN!!!!!
I mean sheets of rain and the wind was blowing so we ended up with "sideways rain". The principle started calling out the students names to come forward and receive their diplomas. I think he thought he might somehow be able to rush it and be able to hand all of them out before anyone got wet or decided to leave. OH NO!!!!
The stands were being emptied as fast as they were filled. Umbrellas were turned inside out due to the rain. In less than 2 minutes my clothes along with everyone else were SOAKED. I headed to the 50yard line, with my heels sinking into the ground that had already begun to saturate w/water. Matt walked forward and received his certificate and I got one, yes one photo of my sweet boy as he walked and then began to run to get out of the rain. One other student was able to receive his diploma before the principle finally decided that the ceremony could not continue due to possible drowning from the rain. Everyone headed for "higher ground" so to speak. The senior class received their diplomas in the field house before reuniting with their families to return home or at least out of the downpour. I was sooo disappointed. I had waited soooo long for this day and through many trials Matt had completed his 12yrs of school. I felt robbed. And what about the other families and students. They too had been waiting on this day for a long time, only to receive their diplomas in the field house with no family present to see this special moment. Myself and others left Friday evening feeling dismayed.
Much later that night after much thought and questions I realized that God had answered my prayers. Why I don't know. All of Matt's family and friends were able to attend. My husband made it on time. Matt was able to walk and receive his certificate and I was able to get my picture of him receiving it before the flood. I had NOTHING to complain about.
God works in mysterious ways indeed, and we will never understand why some things happen the way they do. I don't understand why the ceremonies were not held inside due to the weather forcast, or why Matt was one to receive his diploma before the activites were called off. In time it may be made known to me.
Proverbs 3:5 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart;don not depend on your own understanding."