Commencement – what a great time! I often say to people, “If they didn’t let me come to commencement, I’d quit!” Even after ceremony number 4 on Saturday, I felt blessed by what God has done in the lives of students across Bethel University!

I don’t remember much of my own commencement 40 years ago. Marion Barnes, president of Covenant College (as I recall) was the speaker. Even though we shared a last name, he was no relation to me. It was a day for family and friends – many of whom were headed to Vietnam in the months following graduation. I was headed to grad school at the University of Connecticut. I earned an M.A. in educational counseling, which qualified me to be a personnel psychologist in the Army, serving in Brooklyn, NY, instead of Vietnam. I’ve always considered my assignment there to be one of God’s great blessings in my life, particularly when the alternatives are considered.

Today’s graduates are headed into a challenging environment, too, although most will not end up serving in a country where someone is shooting at them. I am thankful that a Bethel education has prepared graduates to serve in all seasons. While we do not claim to do it perfectly, we have tried to provide the balance of challenge and support that improves the odds of developing a storm hardy faith and a robust set of relationships to complement an excellent academic program.

At both the beginning of the year and near the end of the year, I challenged Bethel students to become adventurous Christ-followers. I hope the Bethel experience has given students a bigger view of Jesus and a passion to address the things that break the heart of God. We live in challenging times. I hope Bethel grads will have the ethics to overcome the greed that led to the collapse of our economy. I hope that Bethel grads will have generous hearts, giving of their time, talent, and resources to address the complex family, health, and social needs in our world. I hope that Bethel grads have the commitment to reconciliation and peace making that will reduce conflict globally and locally. If we have educated well, we will have hundreds of adventurous Christ-followers leaving campus each year to live out our core values.

So, four commencements down and three to go this spring. Perhaps with me you’ll really want to be there – celebrating the “miracles on two legs” as they walk across to get their diplomas!