Eternal God of time and space, of every single human trace: our time has flown, so quickly gone since we came to this place.

We measure years in moments now, centuries in but a breath; we’ve reached and stretched, new boundaries set.

Profound has been our growth. In our best moments we have heard, we’ve listened and we’ve sought; and we have yearned, with mentors near, to learn with head and heart.

So often we have wondered, forsaking roots of home, and wandered far from safety for bold we have become.

Your journey’s taken life in us, Your promise now fulfilled; vouchedsafe to us as we began, vouchsafe and promise still.

We count the minutes breathless until Commencement’s hour. Don’t leave us yet, we’re not quite there; we’re ready, but stay near New supplicants now of worldly care on awesome journeys set, but lest new confidence betray, draw near, don’t leave us yet!

Now if, perchance, in arrogance we don’t know how to ask Your presence here, we now invite: be part of every task. Grant us in quiet spaces of hearts and heads and souls that we find meaning…love…and joy in all days new and old.

So now in greatest joy we leave with endings sacred sighs; tomorrow’s dawning newly calls in gratitude….good bye.

Amen.

May God’s blessings continue to enrich your learning and your service as you continue your journeys.

About the writer:

William Finin is Chaplain to the University. He can be reached at [email protected].