And the award goes to…

Okay, so it’s not the Oscars.  There aren’t discussions about who wore what and who came with who.  There are no reporters hiding out at after-parties.  But the day that the David L. Edwards Servant-Leader Award for Faculty Excellence in Spirit and Service is presented tops any award ceremony in our book, hands down.  And frankly, there was just something extra-special about yesterday.

Perhaps it was the terrific new outfit I had purchased for the occasion.  I went to Dress Barn on Monday, just to look, and went into the dressing room with an armful of clothes.  Though there were three outfits I truly liked, when I put this dress on I just went “Wow!”  The best part?  It was a size 12!!  A SIZE 12!!  I found the cutest shoes to wear with it, and the accessories were perfect…I know it’s not about me, but I just felt so pretty…and it’s been a long time since I’ve felt that good about myself.

Perhaps it was my handsome stud muffin of a husband who now fits comfortably back into his double-breasted suit.  I must say, he looked mighty fine, and I was quite proud to stand with him at this special occasion.

Perhaps it was seeing my sister-in-law who just recently has completed her radiation treatments for breast cancer.  The relief and peace I saw on her face when I asked about her prognosis was beautiful.  She took it all in stride and has shown a quiet strength and peace I never knew she had.

Perhaps it was having the chance to reconnect with my brother David after not seeing each other in nearly a year.  I have always looked up to him – both literally (as the pictures will show) and figuratively – but I don’t think I’ve ever been as proud of him as I was yesterday listening to him talk to the award recipient about the possibilities for mission work in third-world countries.  David’s passion is microfinance, and listening to him speak excitedly and with incredible enthusiasm with the professor of cross-cultural missions brought tears to my eyes.  My heart just swelled – love, pride, unabashed admiration – for this incredible guy who just happens to be my brother.  I know I’m the luckiest kid sister ever.

Perhaps it was having the privilege to hear Dr. Donald Campbell, former DTS president, speak a challenging and inspiring message from Ephesians.  What an honor to hear God’s word spoken from such a diligent and faithful servant.  And having him come down to speak with us following the service was more than I could have hoped for (we usually never have contact with the chapel speakers following their message).

Perhaps it was seeing friends – old and new – once again.  I was delighted to be able to introduce Karie, the Studio 153 intern at McKinney Fellowship, to my mom.  Seeing our friend Dorian from our MLBC days is always fun – and I know Matt enjoyed the opportunity to visit with her.  The previous recipients who come by and share kind words, memories, and stories with us always touch our hearts and make us grateful.  And having Mom’s special friend Marcia with us to celebrate the day made our family seem a little more complete…though we did miss Dan and wish he could have been there, too.

Perhaps it was the recipient, Mike Pocock, who came to the seminary about the same time Dad did.  Mike’s wife, Penny, worked under Mom’s administration and taught with Marcia at Grace.  Mike and Penny prayed for me when I fell from the horse, and when I had the second surgery to remove the steel rods.  So many wonderful layers of connections between our families, and so many precious bonds we share with them.   The look of absolute shock on Mike’s face as his name was announced was one of those “priceless” moments, and we couldn’t be more pleased with this year’s honoree.

Perhaps it was the fabulous meal at Maggiano’s…the delicious food we shared and the wonderful table conversation.  Matt and I worked hard to stay true to our South Beach diet though we did splurge and split a dessert, a wonderful apple crostada.  The pace was liesurely, the conversation flowed, and all too soon it was after 2:00 though it hardly seemed we could have been there for nearly two hours.

Who knows if it was one single thing, or just a combination of all elements falling into place and clicking together.  Whatever it was, we certainly enjoyed a special day as we honored two men: one who continues to faithfully labor to prepare men and women for service around the world, and one who has heard the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

I hope you enjoy the pictures below the fold.  I think they capture not only the moods, but also the moments that made this day one to remember.

From left to right: David, Christine, Marcia, and Mom in “our” row waiting for chapel to start.

The Edwards family with Mike Pocock following chapel.

Penny confessed that she had to let Mike wear his knit shirt rather than a shirt & tie,

because if she’d insisted on a tie, he would have known what was going on!

The whole gang!

From left to right: Mom, David, Mike, Christine, Penny holding almost-one-year-old Rowan,

Debbi, Matt, and one of Mike & Penny’s three sons, Ian Pocock.

The newly inscribed plaque, which hangs in the Academic Dean’s reception area , just outside Dad’s former office.

Mike and Penny with Mike’s plaque, and his name on the wall behind him.

Mom, David, and Debbi with Mike and Dad’s plaque behind us.

Once again, the whole crew joined in for one last picture.

 Penny and Marcia enjoyed visiting at Maggiano’s.

Mom with Karen Grassmick.  Karen’s husband, John, is academic dean

and makes the presentation of the award each year.

John is also the one who places the name on the plaque in the Academic Dean’s office following chapel.

David with Mike.  The two of them had a lot in common – even ordering the same lunch! –

and talked nearly nonstop throughout the meal.