After the dissertation defense, I walked around the halls of CSU and began to feel the weight of a particular book. I passed many classrooms that I have attended numerous lectures. Professors that I have had over the years shook my hand, patted me on the shoulder and congratulated me with great honor. The secretaries remarked that they have seen me grow up in these halls.

I realized this experience is the passing of a chapter of my life. It was a long period of time. I have forgotten there were chapters or even a book. I have read many books and seen many chapters in my friends lives: graduation, marriage, children and moves to other countries. Until now, I have not seen a chapter in my own life. I have been at CSU for nearly ten years of the most conscious period of my life. Here I have met many fascinating people. Here is the place where I began to wrestle with many questions of my faith. Here is the place where many answers and joys and learning of worship had begun. At the Sunday ceremony, I will turn the page to the next chapter.

Goodbye and thank you CSU for the great setting, characters and plot you have laid for the next exciting chapters of life. If the following chapters follow the pattern of this prelude of lows and highs, I am glad it was written by a sovereign Author that allows tension to grow to a climax so a deeper and wonderful conclusion may be shown.