Done, done, and done. I have completed all requirements to obtain my undergraduate degree. Last week I presented my thesis and had my oral comprehensive exam. Whew! I cannot deny that there is a new lightness that I am palpably feeling. It’s strange when something ends, something you knew would end sometime, but it’s strange when that sometime becomes now and then passes so quickly.
As I think back on the past four years, it’s too easy–and too tempting–to speculate on how Providence would have ordered my experiences and relationships differently here. But I’d rather not tread that path. Instead, I appreciate all that’s transpired; I accept and am thankful for all of the sweet peaks, and I am equally thankful for the valleys. Not to sound cliché, but I think that, without a doubt, I grew and matured the most during the dark seasons–whether I was struggling with faith, lamenting my singleness (at the time), or letting cynicism and pessimism sweep over me and cloud my vision.
As June 2 looms, I await my passage from the Orange Bubble into the wider, scarier, and grittier adult world. I can honestly say that I am confident and at peace about several things: (1) God is Infinite Love, in Trinity. He created human beings for Himself–to love Him, serve Him, and be in communion with Him; (2) S*** happens, as they say. God lets things happen that we think–in our limited understanding–shouldn’t have happened. But to paraphrase Gandalf, what should or shouldn’t have happened is not for us to decide. All we can do, with God’s grace and help, is decide what to do with the time that is given to us; (3) Love and justice should motivate not only our interpersonal relations but how we engage with the world. One day, some day, all will be put to rights. Let us work hard then, with faith, hope, and love, towards the Kingdom Come.
I will close this entry with some lyrics of an up-and-coming song. The first verse is a bittersweet reflection/address towards my generation, about whom I feel ambivalent yet hopeful:
Scattered, shattered, a rummage sale for souls,
Squeeze some lemonade before you get too old.
Stubborn children, run and collect your gold.Don’t let the coffee stains keep holding you down,
Run for love, let the light swing you ‘round,
Thrash the darkness with glorious sound.
2 Comments
May 18, 2009 at 12:56 am
(:
May 19, 2009 at 12:14 am
Thanks, Rich, for the uplifting words. For all our sakes, don’t let the idealism die as you enter the “gritty” adult world.