This evening marks the last Silver Taps ceremony during my set four years here. Yes, I will be here in the fall, but much like everything else this semester, things are slowly reminding me that the end of my college years are near.
Next to Aggie Muster, Silver Taps is one of the most hallowed traditions of Texas A&M. It marks the passing, the missing of one of our own, those snuffed out during the prime of their time here at A&M. It is a step in the grieving process for the bereaved, and for this reason do so many of our Aggies participate in the silent and pitch-dark ceremony during the normal semester schedule that honors the memory of those who passed away.
So often do we as college students realize how short life truly is. We should wake up everyday thankful for the life we have and go to bed thankful for the day we've had. It's not that we should somber about all things at all times; rather we are called to be joyful and happy for the gifts given to us.
Freak accidents do exist in our world. So many things could go wrong, but with faith we know these things matter little. Our faith, grown out of God's given grace, sets a firm footing for us to enter into this world fearlessly to face the challenges of each day. As Pope John Paul II said, "Have no fear of moving into the unknown. Simply step out fearlessly knowing that I am with you, therefore no harm can befall you; all is very, very well. Do this in complete faith and confidence."
During these past four years, I lost a fellow classmate and friend, just as has my cousin lost a roommate in his years here, too. We are not immune to death or the results of those passing away around us, but we can set ourselves firmly in the rich soil of Christ's love and root ourselves in faith in response to a world of uncertainty, knowing that through God's will, we shall know and see the coming to pass of the glory of His Everlasting Word, even until the end of times.
Tempus Fugit, Memento Mori.
No comments:
Post a Comment