I remember waking up March 16, 2020, and being frustrated. Not the best
way to start your day. I was in the middle of grief — grief over the fact
that we had to make the difficult decision to suspend our face-to-face
instruction in the midst of a confusing and chaotic beginning to what we
now know well as the COVID-19 pandemic.
The campus began to empty of people. We had also started cancelling events that we had looked forward to with much anticipation, including one where we hoped to make a major announcement about a lead gift for the first new academic building in our campus master plan.
So, my frustration and fussing in the midst of all that was not unusual or even unwarranted. It's not the way I want to lead, but, I confess, I was in a tough spot, asking the Lord, "Why?" "Why now?" "Why this?" "What are we going to do?" "Why?"
I want to steward well what the Lord has entrusted me to steward. I care deeply about Union as an institution, and I care deeply about all of the individuals and families that make up this institution.
In the midst of all this swirling in my spirit, I punched the garage door opener to get into my car and drive to work. All I can say is that when the door lifted, it seemed as though the birds' singing that morning had been amplified in some way. Very loudly and clearly, I could hear the birds singing their song. Immediately, my mind went to Matthew 6:26, "Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?"
Immediately, my countenance changed. The Lord was reminding me that he is taking care of the birds of the air, and he is taking care of Union and all of us associated with Union. It was such a moment of grace.
Almost every single day since then I have heard the birds singing and chirping. Sometimes at home, sometimes on campus, sometimes on videos or the radio, sometimes songbirds with sweet melodies, sometimes geese honking as they flew, all evidence of God's care, provision and love.
Despite the challenges we have faced during the pandemic (including the decision not to publish the Unionite last year), the Lord has remained faithful. Our students returned to campus in the fall semester for face-to-face classes, and for the entire 2020-2021 academic year, Union delivered the excellent, Christ-centered instruction that the Lord has used to transform so many lives. And that lead gift has been announced.
God is faithful! The Lord is gracious, slow to anger, rich in love. He is good to all.
Gratefully,
Samuel W. "Dub" Oliver, Ph.D.
