CLOSING THE BOOK

I went to Ottawa for the weekend for my graduation ceremony. I guess with being busy and on the go, it really didn't hit me until I boarded the plane Saturday morning how much I was looking forward to being back in Ontario to see family and friends again.

I have officially graduated from university, which brings a lot of mixed emotions. I don't find myself thinking "wow, it flew by" that often, even though I only did a three year degree. I guess it felt weird to come back to Carleton knowing that even though I was getting to see everyone again, that it was only for a short visit, a temporary stay, and then I would be moving on again.

I have no regrets about my time at Carleton. It was truly amazing. During the ceremony, I did a lot of reflecting of my time there, thinking about the plans that I had for my life when I arrived in first year. Carleton wasn't even my top pick for where I wanted to go, but I felt I could still work my way towards becoming a great sports broadcaster by being there. Praise God for His sovereignty, and for the fact that my plan didn't work out. As the different people speaking (chancellor, president, honorary degree recipient etc) talked about taking the things that we, as graduates, have learned during our time in university, and using them to change the world, I smiled to myself. I was so blessed to be able to have such great people build into me during my time at Carleton (not necessarily in an academic sense), and now I am able to, by God's grace, be a part of something that is literally changing the world. That excites me.

I had other thoughts, such as, "I wonder if I'm the only person who is graduating and going into full-time ministry", and, "I wonder how many of these graduating students didn't get a chance to hear the gospel". Mixed emotions for sure, but again, it reaffirmed in my heart why I'm doing what I do. Why God used my time in university to transform my dreams and desires, to shape them to be more like His heart for the world. I know I have a long way to go still. But it was awesome to be able to give the glory to God on graduation day.

And, of course it was great to see so many people whom I love dearly. Great to see my parents- I kept thinking about them during the ceremony too, thanking God for them and for their never-ending support. My sister was there too, and we met up with my brother and his family afterwards. Absence really does make the heart grow fonder- whoever the genius who put those feelings into words was, props to him or her.

Had a great time with the Carleton peeps as well. Had a great Saturday morning breakfast with some great men- Adam, Nathan and Jordi- the restaurant booth was flowing with leadership (mmm). I did some dishes with Peter Eddy and Jeremy. Stopped by at the girls house and was offered cookies. It was cool to hang around good old 1139-D again. The house still smells the same, if not...worse? As per tradition, I played guitar and Aaron sang along to our Japanese rock ballad "Tears" on Saturday night. We sang that song pretty much every night before bedtime last year. We played some Battlefield over the network too- good times. Got to go to the church I went to during my time in Ottawa, and hung out with some more Carleton peeps afterwards in the school caf. I got to catch up with Darren for the first time in a long time. The crowning touch may have been Danny Sherman and Adam driving me back to the airport Sunday evening. If I could have anyone as a personal chauffeur, it would, in all likelihood, be Danny Sherman. But, I'm sure he'll be doing more important things on a regular basis, such as helping change the world.

So exciting to hear what God is doing at Carleton, to see the steps of faith that people are taking, to see how special university students really are. Even though I've moved on, it is an amazing place to come back to. I know that as the years go on, it will seem more weird to be associated or connected with Carleton, but I've always been someone to remember my roots, to not forget where I've come from. And so, as my graduation ceremony marks the official ending of my time at Carleton, I look back on how far God has brought me, how blessed I've been to go there, and I really have to give Him all the praise and glory for using my three years there to change my life. This particular book may now be closed, but the adventure certainly still continues.

Goodbye, Carleton. Thanks for the memories.