It Is My Honour To Present...

I have flowers in my room and on the kitchen table -- lavish bouquets of purples and pinks that were intended to convey thanks.  For me, as for many, there is no surer way to communicate appreciation and fondness.
These came from students, because I have the privilege of working with them, digging into literature and theater.  In both endeavors I seem to stand at the center of talent, emotion, and energy -- waving my arms to keep the current moving in a semblance of direction. And because I am there, they share the treasures of their thoughts with me.  Generously.
This year I was invited to emcee a graduation, which was another one of those tasks I felt certain required grown-up involvement.  Absent a real one, I agreed to act the part.  Between segments of speaking I tucked myself into a chair in the wings and listened to them, one last time.
A girl in a floor length gown read the gritty details of living through an alphabet of activities in search of that single great calling, all to find that it is a valuable thing to be a "jack of all trades/master of none".  Another spoke of the significance of being adopted from a foreign country at 9 months of age...and being brought to this town.  By these parents.  To have this community.  Two graduates reflected on the bittersweet passing of seasons of life, remarking on the swiftness of time.  I smiled as a shy student did not rush through her piano offering, but lingered over the last notes so they had time to sink in.  And I cried a little bit when a teenager sang, "God has been faithful, He will be again."
In so many areas of life I have failed more than I have succeeded.  But God continues to provide opportunities to serve with a little more humility, to love with less selfishness, and to live out grace.  One of the essays took the perspective of looking back at life, from the very end, and seeing all the disfigurement caused by harmful decisions and careless living.  "But," the author affirmed, "the Artist is merciful."  He then concluded with a description of the beautiful picture built out of a life filled with cracks and scratches and brokenness.

It was sweet and kind and mannerly of them to give me roses and lilies...but they have gifted me with so very much more.

Morning by morning I wake up to find
The power and comfort of God's hand in mine
Season by season I watch Him, amazed
In awe of the mystery of His perfect ways
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me.

I can't remember a trial or a pain
He did not recycle to bring me gain
I can't remember one single regret
In serving God only, and trusting His hand
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful to me.

This is my anthem, this is my song
The theme of the stories I've heard for so long
God has been faithful, He will be again
His loving compassion, it knows no end
All I have need of, His hand will provide
He's always been faithful, He's always been faithful
He's always been faithful to me.            Sara Groves