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My husband John just graduated from Gordon-Conwell seminary with a Masters in Biblical Studies. We attended the commencement ceremony where close to 70 people were graduating with masters and doctorate degrees.

It was hard to keep myself from being mesmerized by all the colorful and interesting robes and hats as they marched in and out and across the podium. I couldn’t help wondering what each color and shape meant. I found out that one advantage of becoming a doctor is that you get to wear a funnier looking hat. I kept thinking about C. S. Lewis’ time when they wore these robes daily, a constant reminder of your rank in society.

I was impressed by one of the student speakers, Teresa Kay Hood, who had the foresight to realize we would be distracted by these colorful status symbols. She talked about how she was broken as a person before she came to seminary, and how she had found healing and new life in the process of her studies. She referred to herself as a cracked pot that had been mended. Then she took it a step further, with love, daring to challenge the caste system. “Don’t be fooled by the regalia and bright colors you see today. Underneath these robes are cracked pots – all,” she said, with a sweet smile and quiet confidence radiating from her face.

That was just the beginning of the theme of Christ-like humility that flowed through the entire service. It was unlike any other graduation ceremony I had ever attended. We were there to celebrate human accomplishment, yet the focus was skillfully shifted back to Christ. The highest award was given to the biggest servant. It was called the “Towel and Basin Award.” The professors and graduating students were all humble servants, grateful to God for their gifts and privileges, while oozing with passion to give it all back to Christ and his church.

Haddon Robinson, the keynote speaker, a man of great accomplishment, had no interest in promoting himself,  but exuded the warmth and grace that comes only by walking with God your entire life. His speech was about putting others first, a brilliant mini-sermon, but his heart and example communicated even more than his words. I ran into him in the hall afterwards. He didn’t know me from Adam and Eve, yet he greeted me as if I were his favorite niece.

I no longer believe the theory that seminaries are cemeteries where people go to die and lose their faith. We are already dead, without the light of Christ in our lives. Spending four to eight years with your face in the Word, as well as the words of those who have gone before us, you cannot help but shine a little brighter as you reflect back that light in your own face. I see this light in my husband, and I see it in the faces of those who have dedicated their lives to study. Now my only problem is deciding what my emphasis will be when it’s my turn to go seminary.

John and I have always had good intentions about meeting and getting to know our neighbors. Over the years we have gotten better at it, but there is plenty of room for improvement.

This is definitely the friendliest place we have ever lived. Even before we had finished unpacking, our neighbors across the street came over on their golf cart and introduced themselves. Bubby and I met the self proclaimed mayor of “Hog Town” on a walk and stayed and talked for 20 minutes. Even the people at the voting poll and the local convenience store treat you like family. Everyone we have met so far has been very kind and welcoming. So, we have no excuse. Still, we are shy.

Leave it to Bella. We now find ourselves with the necessity of meeting every neighbor within a five mile radius as we try to locate the source of Bella’s latest conquest - chickens! Yes, our dog is bringing home chickens. Chicken #1 was promptly disposed of by her mother (me). She did not resist much when I pulled it away from her. Chicken #2 got away and is now hiding behind our shed. (See picture) Chicken #3 was not so lucky and has joined Chicken #1.

We went on a walk this morning. Still no luck locating the chicken owners. But we have leads on where to look next, and some dog sighting reports. “Oh, those are your dogs. I was wondering whose dogs those were. I see them all the time over there on the hill.” Hmmm.

UPDATE: 7:44pm. The chicken pictured here endured one more attack from Bella, then got away, unharmed. John brought home an invisible fence. We just got back from meeting a few more neighbors. Still no sign of any chicken owners. Someone said they sounded like game hens because of their color (black and brown) and that perhaps they are wild. They have seen wild turkeys around here. Also, we learned that one of our neighbors has a reputation for shooting dogs for sport. So, yeah, we are going to be using that invisible fence!

John just walked in to say that the brown chicken is in our shed. Has she adopted us? Not too bright.

The picture below is me with my first commuter, Mr. Green Jeans.

#10) With the money you are spending on gas, you could have put all of your children through college and grad school.

#9) You finished War and Peace on tape in a day and a half.

#8) You maintain a profitable side business knitting afghans during traffic jams.

#7) You are on a first name basis with the gas station clerk because you are there three times a week.

#6) You pass two rest stops on the way, and can’t make it to work without stopping at one for a snack and bathroom break.

#5) The coffee isn’t keeping you awake anymore, so you have resorted to banging your head against the side window.

#4) Last night you found a website on experimental teleportation and are considering signing up as a volunteer.

#3) There’s always a good chance that the war in Iraq will be over before you get to work.

#2) You have time to write a top ten list, edit it and memorize it, all during your morning commute.

And the #1 sign you have a long commute….

Hillary called to commend you for your dedication and let you know she’s a commuter too.

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My commute is currently 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, one way. Fortunately, I only have to drive to work two days a week. The rest I work from home. It would be 1 1/2 hours if I took the freeway, but I prefer the back roads which I find more relaxing. I wrote this Top Ten list on my way to work Monday morning.