One of those moments...

Today was the last chapel. Keeping with tradition, it was praise chapel where we just sing for the entire chapel and end with a prayer. Since we have assigned seating in chapel, students are given a moment to move wherever they like before we start singing. It is a "fruit basket turnover" to use an old phrase. For a few moments there is bedlam before things settle down and the singing starts.

Today something unique happened. I often try to sit down front during praise chapel because the singing is so beautiful and there are fewer distractions. Today was especially meaningful because it was our last chapel and our last praise chapel. One of our seniors came stood next to me on the front row, which was otherwise all faculty and staff members. She stood between Dr. Mountjoy and me. She said she just wanted to spend the last chapel beside us. I was touched and honored.

As usual, the singing got to me, but this time it was even more poignant because of the student standing next to me who is one of my heroes on this campus.

I was hushed to silence as I listened to her singing "My soul magnifies the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my savior" (the magnificat). She then switched to the alto part before switching back to soprano. While I love the lyrics and the song, what touched me was the heartfelt voice standing beside me. I was completely silenced and teared up as I listened her sing "Bless the Lord oh my soul."

I always have mixed emotions of joy and loss at the end of the year, especially at this last meeting of the entire student body in chapel. However, today was different. I will miss all the students, especially those who will no longer be with us like the young lady standing next to me. At the same time, I am reminded of how they have grown and what a difference they will make in the world. I can only hope they will have half the impact on the world that they have had on me.

I am a better person today and am optimistic and joyful, all because one young lady chose to stand next to me and sing praises to our God.

Thanks Jolene.

Go Panthers!