One day during the pandemic, I opened my mailbox, expecting to find the usual junk mail and bills. Instead, I was surprised to see a vase containing lovely miniature daisies and a beautifully written note from a friend.

Maybe a commencement address isn’t meant to be more than a pep talk, but at such a significant moment in those young lives, wouldn’t it be great if it were?

In 2004, a merino sheep was discovered in New Zealand, hiding in a cave, covered with 60 pounds of wool! In Shrek’s story, I see myself: hiding in the cave of my mind, hoarding worries and problems.

Like a car that won’t go another mile without gas, I sometimes tend to get out and push the car instead of filling up during difficult seasons in life. This practice doesn’t get me very far.