Tuesday, May 27, 2008

The Graduate

On May 22, 2008 Dave graduated from Westminster Theological Seminary with a Masters of Arts in Religion.  It took five years, but he did it while being a dad of two and working full-time in ministry at liberti church. I'm really proud of him. The amount of reading and intellectual rigor required to succeed in his program of study was tremendous. I have to say that I have a new respect for Dave's ability to apply himself, his discipline to study and his patience to actually learn the material. I was always the kind of student that learned quickly and spit out enough of the information correctly in order to get by. I never once asked myself, "Do I really get this?" I feel like watching Dave has led me to a new definition of Intellectual. He isnt going to toot his own horn or use heady words (actually, his vocabulary astounds me!). I mean, he isnt a saint...he tries to get his self worth in other ways, but for someone who personally tries to get props from being quick and witty, I am often humbled by Dave's understanding of things way beyond my grasp. 

One of Dave's favorite authors, Abraham Kuyper, writes, "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, "Mine!".  I'm convinced that Christ has claimed Dave's degree as his own. Where ever we land vocationally, God has used this time at seminary to fulfill many purposes already. I see another side of Dave that I would never have seen had we not come to Philly. Even though that is enough for me, I know that God will continue to use Dave's gifts to serve others and to image the One who created him. Congratulations Dave!

3 comments:

  1. Amazing accomplishment! I was like you Sarah...retain it long enough for the test! I really admire and respect Dave's intellect! An occasional crossword puzzle is the most challenge my brain gets these days. Please pass on my congratulations!!!

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  2. Congratulations Dave! And to you Sarah and the whole family for supporting him. What a milestone... It's amazing to think of what God can do with the process of learning and not just the degree itself. Great to read your tribute to him! :)

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  3. I praise God for you both and wouldn't be who I am w/o you. So great seeing you tonite and bumming around the Philth with you. Miss those days. Make sure you check out Mitch Hedberg for hours of fun. : ) happy packing!

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