It is very easy to take for granted all that is really important.  When we look around we see that we live in a very material-minded world.  We are often judged by what kind of car we drive, by our hairstyle, or even by what types of tennis shoes we have.  That there is more to life than just that which is physical is a fact which is forgotten.
    As Seniors you have come a long way during the past twelve, or more, years.  You have graduated from diapers to Bugle Boys, from bare feet to Nike's, from formula to pepperoni pizza, from picture books to books with no pictures, and as you have grown you have prepared for this year.  You are nearly a high school graduate!  As you have progressed, or graduated, through your life and childhood, as you have grown physically and intellectually, have you grown equally as much spiritually?  Are you as interested in the spiritual matters of the next life as you are in the material world of this life?  In Luke 2:40,52 we see that Jesus grew in a variety of ways.  He grew physically, emotionally, intellectually, socially, and spiritually.
    Life and childhood were things which Christ did not take for granted.  He was not overly concerned about owning the latest sandals, or about driving the most souped-up chariot.  He was concerned, even at such a young age, about spiritual matters.  "And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.  And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.  And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.  And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?"  The above passage is from Luke 2:46-49.  Christ was only twelve years old (verse 42), and yet He understood what was truly important.
    Life and childhood, you will reflect a lot upon these things in the weeks, and months which come.  How have you spent yours?  How are you currently spending your life?  Romans 12:1,2 is a message for young and old alike, "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God."