Ode to a Man in a Park

A greasy bag of fish and chips in hand,

A chap makes his way to the storybook tree

Never knowing that today, in the shadow of the tree,

He will have an encounter with Eternity.

The lack of the usual rainy day allows him to consider another way

The sunny noontime beckons him to break his routine,

Enjoy the warmth, savor the moment.

But as he heads out, he has no idea that God plans to meet him today

Who is this man? No one special.

Just a man in a park.

A man in a park who God knows by name

And loves despite the man’s ennui.

He arrives at the park.

Watches the children play as their nanny looks on.

Sees the beautiful flowers

Hears the sound of children’s laughter

Not noticing the storybook tree

Not knowing its story.

Not caring.

Two men are honored by the storybook tree.

Two authors who through stories impacted men’s destinies.

For from the carved book rises timeless figures.

Smaug, a dragon desolated by a hobbit. Aslan, the valiant king lion.

Both authors, both stories give glimpses of eternity.

And this man sits in their shadow,

Never knowing their story.

Never wanting to know their God.

But then, the encounter happens.

A messenger comes.

His faith is questioned

Faith that so long ago he snuffed out

Because what kind of God would let him hurt as he has?

No, he replies, I’ve never seen God,

So why should I believe that he exists?

The messenger gives a reply.

“You cannot see the wind, but you can feel its effects.

You cannot see God, but you can feel His effects.”

Discussion lingers as his lunch time ticks away.

“One must seek God,” he says,

“And I do not have time for that.”

Not realizing that God, the Hound of heaven, is seeking him.

His lunch time finished, he turns to leave.

The wind caresses his cheek.

Eternity beckons.

Yet he walks away, 

Too busy with this life to consider the next.

Just a man in a park

In the shadow of the storybook tree.

Here's to a great three and a half years!

Today, on the eve of graduation, I realize again how blessed I am. I've spent 3 and 1/2 years here in Fort Worth pursuing a Master degree. God has changed my plans multiple times and brought me through seasons of immense blessing and seasons of frustration. There were days when I said to myself, "I'm either going to quit school or cut my hair." Now that I'm at the end, I'm glad I chose to cut my hair. :)

I started this journey with the plan of getting 20 hours needed for a job. However, after studying for a semester, I decided I wanted a degree and Master of Arts seemed the way to go... It was shorter. About a year and a half in, though, I realized that I wanted to do doctoral work...which meant changing to the dreaded MDIV. There were multiple times when I questioned God, asking why I was still here when I could be on the other side of the world in my beloved India. One time, while praying about my future, I realized that God had a reason for me staying in Fort Worth. See, I had some rough edges that needed to be taken care of. I had lessons to learn inside and outside of the classroom.

And learn I did. I learned how to avoid split infinitives and pronouns with no antecedents. I learned how to do a bibliography correctly, analyze books, and argue my point. But more importantly, I learned how sit with a friend while she cried on my shoulder. I learned how to walk away from something painful with my head held high. I learned how to draw near to God when the world outside didn't make sense. I learned how to love people, even when they hurt me. I learned how to encourage and equip others. I became a better writer and in all honesty, a better person.

I've met friends from all over the world. I've been blessed to get to know people at University of Texas at Arlington and to meet international students from all over the world here at my school. I have met folks who have travelled the same paths that I have and their friendships have strengthed me beyond measure. I have had professors who have pushed me towards excellence and met friends who have changed me for good (insert Wicked song here). I am blessed and I am thankful.

So here's to a fantastic three and a half years. Here's to each person who has impacted me and changed me. Here's to my fantastic friends at UTA who have allowed me to live life with them. Here's to my professors who modeled  academic excellence, strength of character, and deep humility. Here's to my coworkers who worked side by side with me while we dealt with immigration issues and enjoyed Bollywood Friday. Here's to church friends who have sharpened me and encouraged me. Here's to crossfit friends who have pushed me beyond what I thought physically possible.

Here's to those close friends who the Lord brought into my life to sharpen me. Those who have walked by my side in the rain and in the sunshine. Those who have allowed me to cry on their shoulders. Those who have listened to my excited, nerdy ramblings and loved me in spite of them.

And here's to whatever is next.