Sweet

Today was a bit bitter-sweet. Mostly sweet, but tinged with sadness because I was confronted yet again with the fact that I am graduating in three weeks from today (technically, it's Friday, though I have not yet shut my eyes on Thursday). We seniors received our caps and gowns this afternoon at a meeting. I cried a few moments after I'd been holding it. This is it! It felt like an announcement to everyone who saw me walk by-- hey everybody, see this bag I'm clutching? It contains a black robe and tickets and it's all for this big ceremony-milestone-thing coming up. I'm leaving soon; you better get a good look at me before I'm gone for good!

Not toooo sober a moment, just a smidge. It's not all about me, after all. It is time, for as Micah James was quick to remind me, God is sovereign. His plan is good! I am excited for the future, whatever it may hold. God already has a plan. My job is to be obedient in the daily small tasks. How can I be anything but grateful? I am supremely grateful for wonderful friends... Sean, Elizabeth, Erin, Kaitie, Shane, Brian, Naomi, Katy & Shawn, Grant, Turtle, Kai, Paul, and so many others. There is quite a preponderance of bloggers among my friends, isn't there! What wonderful encouragement these friends are to me, and what fun we have! Last weekend a bunch of us camped near Nike Point to watch the sunrise the next morning (see above and below). We had fun talking, laughing, and before bedtime, singing songs to God, courtesy of Shane and his guitar-- and remembering His sacrifice, for it was Maundy Thursday at the time-- just enjoying the company of one another. We took quite a few pictures in the morning, after roughly two hours of sleep. It blows me away that I have had the privilege of knowing these people for the last three years. What a special time it is. (I couldn't quite muster the fortitude to write what a special time it "has been." It's not quite past tense yet!)

Tonight, I was happy to attend an "optional recital" of a dear, old friend. It's cool that I can consider him that. That story by itself is a testimony to God's grace and ever-merciful work in the lives of His children. I am grateful for his friendship. I was most happy, though, that the entire event was so God-honoring. It was very evident in Jason's demeanor and in the whole thing who the concert was for... and it wasn't anyone contained in a mortal body. It was extremely fun, too! He sang in German as well as English, and enjoined his voice with Christin's for two numbers (one in Italian, and a cute little ditty in English), and reunited with Karl, Jason Hunt, and Randy for two numbers as their quartet: Slaves By Trade. Their blend was sublime, truly one of the most unified performances I have heard. J-sun's fiancee, Dana, was a wonderful help to him in the preparations and reception afterward. I am so happy for them; it's a good match. His accompanist, Melissa Brink, is outstanding. I don't know how she does it; those Mozart pieces were so fast and note-y. The concert went smashingly, all around.

Flanked by good men: my brother Mark and Jason

Later today (tonight): Duo-ling Pianos concert, of which I will be part. I'm excited!

But, because of the concert, I need to get good sleep so I'll be rested. Mum and Da are coming down! It's gonna be great.

God's grace is so good. I have tasted and seen. Today I was reminded afresh of it, in so many ways. Just read Ephesians 1 and delight in the almost incomprehensible riches of blessing God has given us. Treasure His Word. Just read it; you can't help but be changed. Turn your gaze again to the Cross. It's not just for Christmas or Easter, but every day! Christ lives, and because of that we have hope and our faith is not in vain. The Spirit, whose power raised Jesus from the dead, dwells within us!

His,
M

P.S. I've been quoted! And yes, I did say something to that effect...