Re (1): Reply to last newsletter...

Lynette,

Thank you for your considerate and thoughtful reply. To briefly answer some of the asides that came up in your letter: yes, Dr. Closser is still a Professor of English at SMS (an Associate Professor, if he wasn't before), though I've heard of him only secondhand, having never taken a single course with him. Dr. Hoogestraat has now moved to full Professor and is Head of Graduate Studies (hence my speaking to her about the GA program): there might be other names on the roster you would recognize as well. And yes, Dr. Martire is still alive and well in the philosophy department: ever the erudite scholar with the easygoing personality.

Times have definitely changed from those you describe in your reply. Concerning smoking, I just received an e-mail today from SMS's "The Student Voice"; SGA is taking a poll: "Is our current no-smoking policy as effective as it could be?" Apparently, certain students have complained of smoky entrances and the like. There is also an interesting controversy going on (and I quote): "This is our campus. We pay to come here. We have established ourselves as one of the best, and we deserve the name Missouri State University. The fight isn't over yet, though." I find it quite interesting that no one ever consulted my opinion about the matter and it is simply assumed that the entire student body is in favor of the name change. I guess MSU does sound a bit classier in its own way, but to be honest, I feel rather indifferent about the matter and a bit bemused that I would receive notice telling me that we deserve something about which this particular "we" hasn't so much as formed a solid opinion. Ah well... that's SMS for you. (He rolls his eyes.)

In any case, these past few months have indeed been lean, but the worst of my anxiety is over. The biggest problem was that for a period of time, my faith was flagged with so many intellectual doubts that I no longer had that close intimacy and trust in Christ to sustain me. However, as He often does, He used that time to kick away some of my own self-dependent props so that I might once again remember from Whom I have my very being and my sustenance. And while I have hardly gotten rich (nor do I even know if I would ever wish to be) my bills will be paid on time this month with perhaps a few dollars left over to spare. I suppose when times are prosperous and the future looks certain, if we're not careful, we tend to become complacent and are susceptible to that subtle pride that blinds us to both our own need as well as that of those around us. No, it is good to be able to use our minds, our bodies, and our resources to provide for ourselves and those we love. Sometimes however, when we become sufficiently self-sufficient, we forget our need for forgiveness and grace. What does it profit a man to gain the world and lose his own soul? It is as a wise man once prayed thousands of years ago:


There is always the balance; always that point of true moderation: that point where truth is (at times precariously) balanced between the fiction of either extreme. And when I am feeling riddled with anxiety, that is a nearly certain sign that I have fallen to the wrong side. Simply put, I have forgotten that though this particular channel has run dry, there are many others; though this channel has run dry, there is that Single Source from whence all things flow. Indeed, give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me the wisdom and love of God that sustains me even through the valley of the shadow of doubt.

God bless,
Eric

Though It Lies So Low, To It All Things Flow

• Re(2): An Afterward on MSU - By Eric April 28, 2005 at 01:30:24 PM
• Re(2): Reply to last newsletter... - By Anita February 3, 2005 at 11:21:44 PM
  • Re(3): Reply to last newsletter... - By karen February 5, 2005 at 06:05:30 AM
  • Re(3): Reply to last newsletter... - By Eric February 4, 2005 at 01:58:06 PM