Things they don’t tell you at graduation

(Here’s a timely goody from former editor Mike Brown from 2008.) Graduation speeches tend to be similar, and for a good reason. All speakers must tell the new graduates they are the future and they can be anything they want to be. That’s all true and fine and good.

But every once in a while someone comes along and tells you the truth about life instead of, or in addition to, giving the usual commencement night advice.

This is what William McGurn of the Wall Street Journal told graduates last week in commencement exercises at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas.

“...Whatever the field of endeavor, I believe all would agree with me about three propositions that are easily forgotten and only painfully re-learned.

“First, who you marry is far more important than what career you choose.

“Over the course of a life that has taken me across three continents, I have met many accomplished men and women, and I have always been astonished by the number who give more thought to choosing a job that they may hold for a couple of years than to choosing the spouse to whom they will pledge—before God and their friends—to remain with until death they do part.

“Second, no professional achievement—no matter how extraordinary—can match the thrill of seeing the absolute love and confidence reflected in the trusting eyes of a child who calls you Mom or Dad.

“Finally, you will not find lasting happiness by pursuing it. Happiness is the byproduct of a contented life. And the surest path to a contented life is to put the needs of others before your own.”

And, building on that last thought, he finished:

“Where you see innocence, protect it. Where you see longing and loneliness, be the outstretched arm that breaks through the pain.

“...If you do these things you may not end up rich or famous. But you will bring joy to a world in desperate need of joy. You will love and you will be loved and, among the muddle and noise and disappointment of whatever life throws your way, you will know what it means to hear the angels sing.”

Indeed.