Sam Matteson
Physics,
University of North Texas
[August 30,2009]—
“Groan! . . . Another year is beginning and summer’s not even over, yet!” I confess to complaining that—at least to myself—at the start of more than one of my 20-plus years in the university.
But then I remember again the sweet smell of cedar pencils and fresh unmarked Big Chief tablets from my first days in grade school (early in the last century) and I sense anew the same thrill of possibility that another academic year inspires.
The Grace Of A Recursive Life
This is the time when I thank God for the grace of a recursive life; of days of work that are followed by nights of rest and then new mornings bright and fresh; of seasons of life and opportunity, for fall and the start of a new semester. I thank Him for the opportunity to try again to get it right, the chance for a “do-over,” for a “Mulligan” in the golfers’ jargon.
As fall approaches, I inevitably begin to reflect on the semester ahead, on what did not go as well as I had hoped last year, on changes I resolve to make in my notes, in my presentation, in my research. And it is then that I remember that there are more important things than my academic career, my CV or departmental politics.
I recall that last year some of the most significant encounters I had with students and colleagues were unanticipated, unrehearsed but divinely ordained “God moments.”
I resolve not to be so surprised (or annoyed) next time when God answers my prayer to be used by Him in His kingdom when He puts a seeker squarely in my way. I intend this time not to treat that needy soul as an inconvenient obstacle to my agenda, but rather as what he truly is: an opportunity for me to demonstrate the love of God, to model a grace-transformed life. Thus, my prayer for me and you is this: May the Lord open our eyes to see the reality of what He puts in our way.
May They See God’s Grace At Work
So I will pray with my eyes open, this time, expectant to see how His kingdom comes on earth in my corner of it, that part called “university.” I will pray for those hundreds of as-yet-unnamed students who will wander into my class, often in a daze. May they see God’s grace at work in me, this time. Because of our line of work, more than most, we “profs” should appreciate the meaning of grace, the blessing of forgiveness working itself out in yet another chance to do life over. We can understand, more than most, the meaning of a Mulligan.
So I shall say with Paul, the Apostle, as the semester approaches, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13. This time, Lord, I’ll do it your way. Thanks, for another chance, for Your grace. Amen.
© 2009 Samuel Matteson