College graduation
College graduation
With the college graduation happening, it marks the close of another academic year, and the blessing and sending forth of another batch of graduands. Even though it's not my graduation, but it sparked off some thoughts and sentiments in me.
Today, many of my seniors officially received their endorsement for completing the college requirements, and sent off into their various ministries with blessings from all who were present. One of the trio of Charlie Angels (as pal called us three) graduated today and we were definitely happy for her. We started off in school ministry and clicked well as good friends because of our personality and outlook in ministry. We always jokingly tell A that she registered with the college a year ahead of us so that she can prepare our learning journey by supplying us with advice, notes, textbooks, etc =) That was 3 years ago, and now A has graduated. Well done!!
With the graduation of my seniors, it would make me and my batch of classmates the most senior in the college when the new academic year begins in July 08. It suddenly dawn on me how time flies, and made me ponder how these 2 years had been. I guess I can say I enjoy my first year very much, even though I was on part-time studies then - the bonding and cohesiveness with classmates are simply fantastic and we simply love each others' company - going for tea, drinks, meals, etc whenever we can. As we move into year 2, I wouldn't say I enjoy this year very much, even though I've finally converted to be a full-time student and spent more time in college compared to last year.
Well, it could be because of the tracking system and the class are not always together because of different subject combination ... it could also be we are still as worried as before for our grades and in dire need for whatever time we can find for our readings and assignments ... it could be because we are in our second year and we are kind of more active in different areas of service where the college is concern ... it could be our FE and our churches are also taking more time from us ... whatever the reason, I don't enjoy my second year - maybe because of some personal struggles I'm coping with on my own as well.
As it began to dawn on me more that I have one more year left in the college, I began to ask myself how I want to make the fullest use of the next year to make it a memorable one, instead of a regrettable one. I guess I do have some plans and some resolutions too. For sure, I would want to tighten and strengthen my ties with my classmates. Like what my NT & Greek lecturer always remind us, "Establish good relations and make good friendships while we are in college because we need good support when we are out in ministry after our graduation - friends and comrades outside of our own denomination." Yup, I have lots of planning and thinking to do this coming holiday how to make my last college year the best one, and the greatest one.
I'm also inspired by Rev Ponniah's message at the service today. I didn't jot down in pen and ink his 3 points, but what I can remember briefly ... (1) don't look for prestige and positions but render quiet service, (2) don't seek to be empowered, but seek to empower others and build lives, even of those who seemed to be so insignificant in the eyes of men, (3) look beyond the sacrifices made to the joy ahead that the Lord will bless and give. He might have meant for the message to be for the graduands, but it applies relevantly to everyone present, especially those already in ministry, and those being equipped for ministry.
Having known Rev Ponniah personally (he's the father of my ex GB devotion comm. head and he has always encouraged me by telling me how his daughter had been blessed through my ministry in school and invovlement with GB), I know that he spoke sincerely from his heart. He wasn't preaching simply for the sake of preaching a message. To me, his life and example testifed to what he has preached and shared. He and his family are really humble servants of God, living in simplicity and giving themselves fully to the Lord in all that they do. I have always been amazed at the support his wife faithfully and quietly gave to him, and the way they brought up their children so well.
I'm much inspired today ... with the mixture of thoughts and sentiments felt. A senior counted down for us - 365 days more for us who will be graduating (by God's grace) the next year. I certainly hope that the next year will be the best year in my life at the college, and the best I can offer to God while given the opportunity to learn and grow. Hear this my prayer, O Lord.
With the college graduation happening, it marks the close of another academic year, and the blessing and sending forth of another batch of graduands. Even though it's not my graduation, but it sparked off some thoughts and sentiments in me.
Today, many of my seniors officially received their endorsement for completing the college requirements, and sent off into their various ministries with blessings from all who were present. One of the trio of Charlie Angels (as pal called us three) graduated today and we were definitely happy for her. We started off in school ministry and clicked well as good friends because of our personality and outlook in ministry. We always jokingly tell A that she registered with the college a year ahead of us so that she can prepare our learning journey by supplying us with advice, notes, textbooks, etc =) That was 3 years ago, and now A has graduated. Well done!!
With the graduation of my seniors, it would make me and my batch of classmates the most senior in the college when the new academic year begins in July 08. It suddenly dawn on me how time flies, and made me ponder how these 2 years had been. I guess I can say I enjoy my first year very much, even though I was on part-time studies then - the bonding and cohesiveness with classmates are simply fantastic and we simply love each others' company - going for tea, drinks, meals, etc whenever we can. As we move into year 2, I wouldn't say I enjoy this year very much, even though I've finally converted to be a full-time student and spent more time in college compared to last year.
Well, it could be because of the tracking system and the class are not always together because of different subject combination ... it could also be we are still as worried as before for our grades and in dire need for whatever time we can find for our readings and assignments ... it could be because we are in our second year and we are kind of more active in different areas of service where the college is concern ... it could be our FE and our churches are also taking more time from us ... whatever the reason, I don't enjoy my second year - maybe because of some personal struggles I'm coping with on my own as well.
As it began to dawn on me more that I have one more year left in the college, I began to ask myself how I want to make the fullest use of the next year to make it a memorable one, instead of a regrettable one. I guess I do have some plans and some resolutions too. For sure, I would want to tighten and strengthen my ties with my classmates. Like what my NT & Greek lecturer always remind us, "Establish good relations and make good friendships while we are in college because we need good support when we are out in ministry after our graduation - friends and comrades outside of our own denomination." Yup, I have lots of planning and thinking to do this coming holiday how to make my last college year the best one, and the greatest one.
I'm also inspired by Rev Ponniah's message at the service today. I didn't jot down in pen and ink his 3 points, but what I can remember briefly ... (1) don't look for prestige and positions but render quiet service, (2) don't seek to be empowered, but seek to empower others and build lives, even of those who seemed to be so insignificant in the eyes of men, (3) look beyond the sacrifices made to the joy ahead that the Lord will bless and give. He might have meant for the message to be for the graduands, but it applies relevantly to everyone present, especially those already in ministry, and those being equipped for ministry.
Having known Rev Ponniah personally (he's the father of my ex GB devotion comm. head and he has always encouraged me by telling me how his daughter had been blessed through my ministry in school and invovlement with GB), I know that he spoke sincerely from his heart. He wasn't preaching simply for the sake of preaching a message. To me, his life and example testifed to what he has preached and shared. He and his family are really humble servants of God, living in simplicity and giving themselves fully to the Lord in all that they do. I have always been amazed at the support his wife faithfully and quietly gave to him, and the way they brought up their children so well.
I'm much inspired today ... with the mixture of thoughts and sentiments felt. A senior counted down for us - 365 days more for us who will be graduating (by God's grace) the next year. I certainly hope that the next year will be the best year in my life at the college, and the best I can offer to God while given the opportunity to learn and grow. Hear this my prayer, O Lord.
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