Spring is here and the strains of Pomp and Circumstance are ringing across the country as the 2022 crop of graduates march in to commencement at their schools. It's a tune that stirs the heart of a parent (or grandparent) to tears of joy as their child appears in the line. I'm willing to hazard a guess that it may be the graduate's favorite tune. (It reminds me of what presidential candidate John Kennedy said when asked about his favorite song: "I like the ring of Hail to the Chief.")
Yesterday we watched two grandchildren walk in on Pomp and Circumstance at the first annual commencement of Sattler College in Boston. Sattler College opened in 2018. The class of 2022 was the first to receive degrees from the school. The name of the college is derived from Michael Sattler who drafted the Schleitheim Confession of Faith in 1527 shortly before he was martyred for his Anabaptist faith. One of the songs he wrote was sung in the program of the first commencement of Sattler College. Also included was a song based on the words of Menno Simmons, "True evangelical faith cannot lie sleeping." Both songs were tributes to two outstanding leaders of the Anabaptist faith.
We were not at Sattler College in person yesterday, but thanks to technology, were able to watch the entire exercises via livestream. Dylan entered the school the year it was founded. His class experienced many firsts, including virtual classes during a pandemic. The four years melted away in spite of the obstacles while he completed all the requirements to receive a bachelor's degree in business. He has already been hired and will stay in Boston to begin his career.
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Sattler College also offers a one-year course in Biblical and Religious Studies. Arianna enrolled for the 2020-21 year. The year was complicated by Covid but she persevered and earned a certificate. Unfortunately, due to Covid concerns, no graduation was held for the Bible students in 2021. They were included in this year's ceremonies. Arianna has gone back home to Ohio and we are waiting to see where her path will lead in the future. Her year at Sattler was a growing experience.
The class of 2022 assembled on the Boston Commons after the ceremonies. The students on the left with white certificates are the Bible graduates. Those on the right with dark blue diplomas earned bachelor's degrees.
Congratulations to all these students for the hard work and diligence it took to earn their degrees.
Dylan's twin brother, Durrell, was there to share in the joy of reaching this milestone in his life.
May you have enough happiness to keep you sweet,
Enough trials to keep you strong,
Enough sorrow to keep you human,
Enough hope to keep you happy,
Enough failure to keep you humble,
Enough success to keep you eager,
Enough friends to give you comfort,
Enough faith and courage to banish sadness,
Enough wealth to meet your needs,
And enough determination to make each day
a more wonderful day than the one before.
(Irish blessing)
"For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
