January 18, 2006

  • A lesson from the past

    Today I had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Virgil Olson speak here at Bethel Seminary.  Dr. Olson started as a student here in 1938 and ended up teaching here for some 30 years between the college and seminary.  He is close to 90 years old and spoke today at an installation service for a new professor.  He spoke about standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.  The man was totally sharp and with it, and I learned a lot from him. 


    1)  Always pay tribute to those who helped you get where you are today


    2)  Be grateful


    3)  Stay sharp


    If I can do those few things for the rest of my life, I will be on a good track.  Dr. Olson is inspiring, I was moved by his candor, wit, intelligence and grace as he spoke today.  All the while he is 89 years old!  I have 68 more years of living before I get to be his age - if I make it - I hope I can be like Dr. Olson when I get there.  Thanks Dr. Olson, you inspired me today.  JVD

Comments (6)

  • Sounds like good speaker. I am always amazed at the older people in my Church. They have so much energy and are so full of love. I hope I can also mirror that when I get older.

    Thanks for your comments on my page. I always like to hear other sides of the coin. Regarding your comment "I appreciate what our country did in Afghanistan and how women there can now go to school.  I appreciate that people will not be stoned in public because they dissent from their government."

    I hate to say it but I disagree with that thought. Things aren't as rosey as you might have been led to believe.

    A woman was just stoned last month in Afghanistan for committing adultery while the man received 5 lashes. Link http://news.amnesty.org/index/ENGASA110052005.

    Thanks for stopping by and you have a great site here.

      

  • Sounds like it was very inspirational joe...I hope all is well in St Paul. See you in the spring.

  • Hey dude - Tried to connect with you about 5 times lately by walking into your office, but you were out. Let's meet when you get back from Seattle. Want to show you some pics from Lionsridge and share a thought about how we could help Ryan by using that place.

    C ya.

    t.

  • I have a similar story this week.  I met one of the "legends" of Asbury College and Seminary -- Dennis Kinlaw.  He is in his eighties and is leading a retreat for the Board of Trustees.  It is always helpful to remember that we stand on the shoulders of faithful pilgrims who have paved the way for us.

  • T-man - yah we are passing likes ships in the night apparently.  I am back next week, lets grab a coffee.  JVD

  • Brian - Thanks for that, it is something I am trying to remember more and more.  JVD

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