The Omnibus

Issue date: 5/13/04 Section: The Forum

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As I began to prepare my final column for the Omnibus, I was unsure as to which direction my article should take. What would be the most beneficial and lasting thing a graduating senior could say? Should he thank those people who have made his time in college meaningful and worthwhile? Should he seek to leave some tidbit of wisdom to inspire and motivate students who will remain after he is gone? Hopefully, by sharing a thought from one of my favorite writers, I can accomplish both.

In Galatians 6:9-10, the Apostle Paul writes"So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time we will harvest a good crop if we do not give up, or quit. Right now, therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith." (The Message)

As I prepare to graduate next week, I find it impossible to refrain from thinking about what the future holds. No matter how many plans and preparations have been made, somewhere in the heart of each graduate, a little voice wonders, "What will I become?"

As someone who tends to be idealistic, I have a natural desire to leave some mark on the world. I want to be a part of something greater than myself and leave a legacy for others to look to as they walk along life's journey.

In considering this, I began to examine my options. What could I do to remain in this world once I leave it? As a musician, my first thought was to write a lasting song or make an album that people would listen to years after my death. Only a handful of men, however, have accomplished such a feat and a song is a very intangible thing. If it is not played, there is no chance of it being remembered.

I began to think about more tangible activities I could have a hand in that would last. But, any buildings I could build would eventually deteriorate. Any tree I could plant would someday die. Any book I could write would end up collecting dust.

I realized if I was to leave an impression on the world, it would have to come through investing myself in the lives of others through authentic and vulnerable relationships. The seed we plant in the lives of others will be the only thing remaining once we are no more. As we sow in the lives of others, they are inspired to do likewise. As people sow, more will do the same, until many find themselves a part of the life cycle begun by one humble planter years before they were born.

I am thankful for those who did not allow themselves to get fatigued while sowing into my five years at Southwest Baptist University. I owe deep debts of gratitude to those friends who put time and effort into helping me become a better person. People like Kyle Smith, Brian Roe, Sarah Burkhead, Chris Joseph, Danny Pierce and countless others helped me learn valuable lessons that have shaped the way I treat others.

My mind has been sharpened and my heart engaged by professors who sought to show me that lessons learned in the classroom must be sealed in the soul to matter at all. Teachers like Dr. Martha Hicks, Dr. Brett Miller, and especially Dr. Greg Parker did this and the spirit of their instruction will be with me always.

I am thankful for the spiritual guidance of men like Kurt Caddy who have helped me begin to comprehend what God's plan for manhood is and have made me eager to live out this design.

I am most indebted to my best friend and fiancee, Brooke, for being patient with me as I learned such lessons. There were many times it would have been easy for her to become frustrated and fatigued. She instead loved me when I was unlovable and taught me great truths about how Christ and the church are to love each other. Never giving up, she sowed seeds of love and faithfulness that I have watched bloom with great delight.

Because of the attitude with which these people and others like them have touched my life, I encourage you to reach out and affect your world.

When it becomes seemingly easy to give up on people, or when it seems natural to want to move on, love. Love with all your heart. Especially look for ways to love and encourage your fellow sojourners in the faith. As we seek to love and strengthen each other, a watching world will notice and be drawn to Jesus who invested his very lifeblood in the quest to express his love for us.

In the lives of my friends, family, future children and the people I will come across on a daily basis, my goal and my delight will be to find ways to work for their benefit. May we not give up until the day the harvest is collected. God bless you SBU, you have made a difference in me. The challenge I now face is to refrain from keeping the difference that has been made all to myself.

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