On the "lasts" of Westmont

Just participated in the last chapel of Westmont for the year, and for my four years. Chapel has always had a sort of mixed place in my heart, with some days being incredibly difficult due to lack of sleep, too much work, or dreading hearing another message about death and suffering; other times I looked forward to chapel as the highlight of my week. It was the place where we were all the same, we were all worshiping the same God—despite differing views, values, and of course, majors. Never again will there be a place of worship, with all of my closest friends and current, awesomely performed worship music, set up for me three times a week. And while this latter fact was often the reason I disliked chapel, overall I am so grateful for the freedom to worship our God multiple times per week.

I have cried in chapel at least once each year of Westmont. I cried today, alongside some of my closest friends from this year. So far in my life these last few have been the best of my life—I know it is because I came to Westmont. Chapel is a reminder of what heaven will look like…and heaven will be the next place I worship with the same combination of people who were present in chapel today.

Life is full of transitions and if we don’t move on, how will we adequately apply the things we have learned from this place? The ways we have been shaped by Westmont and the people here have prepared us to leave. There is a new place being prepared specifically for each of us where we can shine through our new confidence, patience, grace, leadership… or whatever it was we learned while a student at this incredible institution. I know I am a stronger person, more faithful friend, and dedicated disciple as I leave this place. This knowledge, however, does not make the goodbyes and “lasts” any easier.

All I know is that I am thankful for the people who have shaped me here and who will continue to be impactful in my life even when I no longer see them daily, share an office with them, or eat every meal with them.

And, I know there is still so much good to come.