Published: May 31, 2026
By John Coleman
Recently I attended award ceremonies for two of my grandchildren. One is moving from Kindergarten to First Grade. The other is moving from Third Grade to Fourth Grade.
As I sat there watching those little ones walk across the stage, hearing their names called and receiving their certificates and awards, something struck me.
Having spent decades watching college students cross graduation stages, I found myself looking at those children a little differently today.
Twelve years from now, many of those children will walk across another stage. Maybe at LeTourneau University. Maybe at Texas A&M. Maybe at the University of Texas, or at their hallowed high school.
The distance between those two stages is remarkable. Between the elementary school stage and the college graduation stage are thousands of days, countless decisions, successes and disappointments, teachers and mentors, friendships and influences, opportunities seized and opportunities missed. Somewhere along the way, a life can be strengthened, redirected, encouraged, or derailed.
Watching those children that day reminded me why education matters so much. Every teacher, coach, counselor, parent, grandparent, pastor, and mentor has the opportunity to influence what happens between those two platforms.
I celebrated two grandchildren and their accomplishments that day. But I also found myself thinking about the future and praying for all those children whose journeys are only beginning.
The stage over which they crossed is small.
The possibilities ahead of them are not.
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John Coleman is the Chief Content Officer for the Master Life Coach Training Institute, a university academic counselor and professor of psychology and the Bible, a certified life coach, and a pastor.
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