Off Into The Sunset

My fellow Bth-ers,

We have spent so much time together in classes, chapel, and chatting when I’m sure we should all have been doing coursework. I spent two years glued to some of you, and it was time most assuredly well spent and which I value greatly – though I admit that getting the adhesive off is about to get more painful. Pulling the glue off always is, I suppose.

Katherine: you are always so penetrating and you courageously tell us what you think, regardless of whether we agree with you or not. You’ve never hidden behind anything, and I envy you.

Barbara: you are such a warm person, and your life has been so touching. Thank you so much for sharing a part of it with me.

Bob: even though you could probably crush me like a bug, you’re really like a big teddy bear, with so much enthusiasm, and so much hard work even when it was difficult. I wants me my hugs! *threatening look*

Denise: such quiet calm strength! You always had a kind word for someone who needed to hear one, and you always took the time to really listen to other people’s stories.

Sybil: you’re so passionate about everything, and so vibrant, like a ray of sunshine.

David: so full of enthusiasm and new faith, you’ll be a great minister, and a brilliant scholar of you decide to go that route.

Marc and Mike: you guys speak for yourselves. Especially you, Marc.

Reza: I really wish I saw more of you. You too, Eric.

Some of us went ‘sideways’ this year to do other things. Jeff, I miss you so much! If you never come back I’ll hit you over the head with my computer. Nathan, you’re so funny and good humored; a breath of fresh air. You’re also brilliant: I’m sure being so friendly was all an act so that when you take over the world we won’t have seen it coming.

Some of us haven’t completed our tour of duty yet. Donna, even when you’re having a hard time you put a brave face on it, and you’re always sensitive to the needs and vulnerabilities of the people around you. Andrew, your R-rated humor always makes me feel better. You don’t give yourself nearly as much credit as you deserve.

Some of us were here for a while and then weren’t. Hauke: your faith is infectious. I completely blame you for giving my own history in the Charismatic movement a much needed wake-up call. Daniel, you’ve had so much hardship these last two years, but you didn’t let it stop you. Danielle, I’m so happy that we’re in school together, even though we don’t take any of the same classes. It’s great to be able to run into you and talk about stuff. To both of you, you’ll never know quite how glad I was not to be the only dissatisfied Roman Catholic kicking around in the program. Robin, you’re graduating this year, too. You made me question what it even means to be Catholic, to be sacramentally inclined, to belong to a tradition, and I loved every minute of our conversations. Your radio show is awesome!!! (plus, you have great guests) Emily...I miss you. I really, really miss you. You brought me to chapel with you, you are so open and happy and I really, really miss you. School is a much poorer place without you.

Well, some of us spent two really intense years together. Some of us only spent one. But, speaking from a totally self-involved perspective, you all made it a worthwhile and deeply rewarding experience. It was hard not seeing you all the time this year, but I looked forward to accosting you on those occasions when I did. I’m going to miss you all so very much. I feel deeply privileged to have known you and studied with you and, for those of you whom I’ll see on Thursday, honored to have seen you graduate. I hope your ministries are all as fun and meaningful as this time has been. But it’s you guys: how could they not be?

Now remember: I’ve mentioned you in my blog and that means we’re friends forever.

p.s. I might cry. Please look away and pretend you don’t notice.