Only
hours before Kim Haskins’ high school graduation, an auto accident took the
life of her father and left Kim and her mother hospitalized. The next day, Joe
Garrett, Kim’s high school principal, visited her at the hospital and said they
wanted to do something special for her at the school. The Gazette (Colorado
Springs) article by James Drew described the outpouring of love and support as
the teachers, administrators, and classmates—deeply touched by Kim’s
loss—filled the high school auditorium a few days later at a graduation
ceremony just for her.
Principal
Garrett said, “We talk a lot in education about no child left behind. In the
military, they talk about no soldier left behind. Today, this is about no
graduate left behind.”
Jesus
underscored the importance of every person to God with three stories about
something lost—a sheep, a coin, and a son (Luke 15). In each story, a person
has lost something of great value. When it is found, friends and neighbors are
called to celebrate and rejoice together.
The point is clear: We are all of great value to God, who offers us forgiveness and new life through Christ. And He faithfully pursues us with His love and grace. There is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (v.7).
