The Culmination (Graduation Part 3)

  

     Immanuel Pentecostal Church is a magnificent place.  The church sanctuary is a huge open space with a large stage -- which was a good thing because on the stage were all of the current CMU professors, as well as professors from the founding colleges.  Like the Baccalaureate service in the morning, the graduation service was overtly religious in nature, a service of praise as graduates were sent out from the university.  CMU choirs sang, "Non Nobis Domine" (Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory.)

     Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, President of Conrad Grebel University-College in Ontario, was our speaker.  Her address was entitled, "(Pro)visions for the journey," and in it she spoke of how our education at CMU has helped teach us three important ways of looking at life that would be beneficial as we went out into the world.  These were hindsight, foresight, and insight.
     Hindsight, she said, echoing Sheila from the morning, is remembering where we came from, what we've learned, the experiences, problems, and solutions of the past.  CMU has given us many experiences and skills that we can draw on in the future.  
     Foresight, on the other hand, is important because it allows us to change.  We need to innovate and think ahead.  CMU has helped with the ability to think critically and communicate well.  These are extremely important skills in our information economy.  Foresight allows us to plan and achieve.  
     But hindsight and foresight aren't everything.  If we rely only on these two views, we will miss the big picture.  Insight is what allows us to focus on that big picture, to see what is under the surface.  We live immersed in God's world, and that should inform our lives.  Graduates of CMU are in a good position to realize that service, and love of God, others, and self are all vitally important in the business of life.  
     With that, Dr. Huxman stepped down from the podium.  Then, one at a time, each of us walked across the stage and received our parchments.
     I GRADUATED!

I forget what I was talking about, but it must have been important.

My Grandma and I sharing a post-Graduation moment.

Dr. Gordon Matties appreciates graduations.