New Church Life July/August 2015 | Page 69

bryn athyn college commencement: Farewell to the Graduating Class 2015 President Kristin King Y ou’ve heard parting words and wisdom today. Words about letting your light shine, while also being the humble salt of the earth and helping others shine. You heard about sound decision-making, critical thinking, entrepreneurial skills and a moral compass. About the importance of celebration, but also reflection and constant improvement. You heard about the importance of asking the spiritual Why and seeking answers. What makes worthwhile communities, and how do we reach out to others to build them? You heard about the MARS program as an energy center for scholarship – a watering hole or life-giving pool that attracts people from all over the world. What does it mean (for each of us) to drink from living wells? You heard about the experience of working long and hard for a goal or degree, and when it finally arrives, finding it not quite what we thought. Blessedly, a Divine architect has laid the foundations for outcomes furtherreaching and far better than we could have imagined. You heard from five speakers this morning. I have the privilege of making the final farewell. Now “Farewell” may seem like a mere noun. But it actually implies action.