Hatch, Match, Dispatch...Congratch?

Clergy joke about the "hatch, match, and dispatch" aspect of their work -- baptisms, weddings and funerals. It seems to be part of the human condition to mark the joyous and solemn occasions of our lives and often we acknowledge God's presence as we do so.

I realized yesterday that something is missing on that list. Congratch. Okay, it's not a word, but the congratulations which accompany graduations is important as well.

Yesterday our "baby," daughter Emily, graduated from St. Lawrence College in Kingston. I managed to get a good shot as she was handed her diploma. In May it was our oldest, Isaac, who graduated from McGill University, followed by his wedding a few days later. Then daughter Jocelyn graduated from Queen's, in Kingston at well. Each event has been deeply meaningful for us and a bit stunning.

How could this be? A short while ago we were attending the recitals and awards presentations for dance and soccer and basketball. There were the various grads from public and secondary school. In Halifax I tried not to look as though I was running away from a funeral I had just conducted so that I could make it to Jocelyn's high school graduation. I had to walk in late wearing a suit and clerical collar.

The passages of the past two months are cause for pride and a reminder of our own mortality. How can we be old enough to have three college and university graduates?

Of course this is all very spiritual. We can thank God for children and thank God that this stage is over!