Me in a Tie & Oh Yeah, I Got a Diploma and a Nice Pen :)
I know that some of you are getting a good chuckle about my tie and Batman robe but please be kind…
I finally made it. I walked this morning and received my MA from Fuller Theological Seminary. The day has been awesome…long, but awesome!
We arrived at Lake Avenue Church at 8:30 am to get lined up and for Mer to get in with her family pass. There were over 4500 people in the crowd and right at 800 people graduated from Fuller this spring. They told us that this is the largest graduating class ever from any theological school. The service lasted a little over 2.5 hours and had moments that made my hair stand on end and made me cry. Here are a few:
*Being encouraged by friends and profs that have come to mean a great deal to me.
*When we entered the church we walked through the faculty who were very kind yet intimidating – their are some unbelievable men and women of God in that group. I have learned a lot from them.
*We also honored men & women who graduated 50 years ago..again I was overcome by these folks who have given so much for the kingdom.
*I was the 6th person to receive a diploma and sat on the very front row on the center aisle (the preacher seat). It was great but made it tough to do anything but pay attention.
*Dr. Mouw's encouragement to keep thinking!
*Rick Warren receiving the distinguished alumni award – not that he got the award but I appreciate how unassuming and down to earth he is.
*There's something about a big old honkin organ cranking it. We ended today by singing All Hail the Power of Jesus Name and I was overcome for about half of the song.
*The responsive reading between the class, the faculty and the congregation was amazing as well.
Today was beautiful and like leaving summer camp or a great vacation, I am happy but sad that it is over. I wish I had some of the moments back. I know I can't but I also can't wait for what's coming. I feel like today was a turning point in a lot of ways.
Thanks to all of you have helped me along the way with thoughts, prayers, money, and putting up with my moodiness around due dates.
Thanks especially to my wife & kids who have done a lot with out me for me to get this thing done, and to my mom & dad. Thanks for writing checks, pushing me to get this degree and for being unbelievable role models. Everyone should have parents like them who love their children, value their growth and are willing to do whatever it takes to help them.
Here are a few more pics. (We're having trouble with getting pics off of our good camera. All that you see are from my iPhone. When I get the better ones, I'll add them.)
