“Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” — Philippians 2:4 (NRSV)
On a warm spring evening, the University of Maryland’s Class of 2025 received more than diplomas — they received a benediction of sorts from a familiar green face. Kermit the Frog, with his gentle humor and timeless wisdom, reminded graduates that the leap into adulthood is best made not by stepping on others, but by reaching out in unity. "Life is better when we leap together," he said — a truth as spiritual as it is simple. In a world that often prizes individual achievement at the cost of community, this felt like a counter-cultural blessing.
Kermit's words echo the heart of the Gospel: we are not made to live in competition but in compassion. The Apostle Paul tells us to look beyond ourselves and consider the needs of others. This isn’t just good advice for graduates; it’s a roadmap for anyone navigating uncertain transitions. Whether we're entering a new career, starting a family, or facing loss, we are invited to leap together — not just into success, but into mutual support, shared joy, and a deeper purpose. That kind of leap requires trust, humility, and a willingness to grow side by side.
Perhaps that’s the lesson we most need in 2025 — not only how to achieve but how to belong. When we choose togetherness over rivalry, we honor the sacred within each other. As those newly minted graduates go forward, may they — and all of us — remember that the best kind of leap is the one made hand in hand. Even a frog knows: it’s not the height of the leap that matters most, but the company we keep along the way.