Goodbyes are always hard to say, which was once again proven in Wednesday’s Closing Convocation. It was held in the auditorium during the regular Chapel period. Dr. Zietsma spoke about graduating as losers, which sounds kind of backwards because we usually think about coming to university to gain an education that will help us succeed in life. So why on earth would an inspiring message encourage us to be losers?Dr. Zietsma based his message off of Paul’s letter to the Philippians, “But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I might gain Christ” (3:7-8, NIV). Whatever knowledge we gain through our university education is not for our own personal profit, but a loss for the sake of Christ. The more educated we are the more equipped we are to serve God. At the end of our studies, we are now called to be servant leaders in the world, in our various vocations, living for Jesus. The world may perceive us as losers – look at Paul, once Saul a high standing official now a lowly tent maker just barely making enough to live off of. The world may have called him a loser. But God has called us to be his servants and we have a greater mission that the world doesn’t understand. Through our self sacrifice for Christ’s sake, we gain much more for Christ.
But the greatest thing we can ever know is Jesus Christ. This is why our Christian education is so important – through all of our studies, regardless of our vocations, Christ is the centre. We critically analyse everything through the eyes of faith and constantly grow in learning more about him. It’s an exciting journey that will continue after we graduate from university.The message at the Closing Convocation was mainly for the fourth and fifth years who are leaving Redeemer to either go into further education, or put their education in practise. However, the message was also inspiring for me, a first year. It encouraged me to continue studying and working hard on my papers and studying for exams, because whatever knowledge I gain now will equip me to help others in the future.
It is sad saying goodbye to the fourth years that I, at first feared because they were older and taller than me, but grew to love because they are role models of all Redeemer students can be. They have left a huge impact on our school from the classroom, to sports teams, to senate, to clubs and activities. They will surely be missed here at Redeemer, but I am confident that they will continue their servant leadership as they move on to studying, living, and working in the “real” world. I am proud of our graduating class, proud to respect them, proud of what they’ve done and what they will do, proud to call them my friends.Furthermore, we are saying goodbye to some well loved a respected faculty and staff here at Redeemer. Dean Schat, President Cooper, and the Book Store Manager, Alice Wolters. All three are dedicated and respected members of the Redeemer community who have made a large
impact on Redeemerites’ lives. Whether it was Presidents Cooper’s cheerful whistling and smile as he walked down the hallway; or Dean Schat’s constantly available support with any student life issue; or Alice Wolters’ helpful advice when buy textbooks, these people exemplified the love of Christ in their vocations. Through their daily example to us, we can learn how go on to be Christ’s servant in the world. Thank you President Cooper, Dean Schat, Alice Wolters, and graduating class for all you have done for the Redeemer community and may God Bless you in your future.
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