This is graduation time in many communities. We offer our graduates congratulations on a job well done — the emphasis for parents is on well, but we know the emphasis for the graduates is on done.

Of course, at this time, the expectation is that we should pass on some words of wisdom. After all, graduation exercises are called commencements— beginnings. As graduates begin this next stage of life, they wonder what lies ahead. We who have "Been there, done that, got the T-shirt" are expected to offer advice or encouragement to get graduates going. What should we say?

Here is one piece of advice that comes right out of the lectionary reading. The prophet Samuel says, "Be careful what you wish for ...you just might get it!"

You remember what happened. The high muckety-mucks of the nation ca…