Memorial

This photo hangs on the wall of my office. In the photo, it is winter. The photo shows a radiator, a bucket of salt, and a plastic scoop situated by the northern entrance of Lubbers Hall, the building that houses the Philosophy Department and many of the other humanities departments at Hope College. I took the photo accidentally when I visited Hope for an on-campus interview that would eventually result in a job offer.   

I don't remember taking the picture. But I do remember that as I stood by the exit of Lubbers, interview complete and awaiting a ride to the airport, I petitioned God to let me come back. It was the end of my fourth year on the job market, and I hadn't applied to or interviewed at any place I had liked more. 

Much later, going back through my photos, I found the picture. It hangs in my office to remind me of God's generosity, and of the fact that ultimately, I am not the one in control of my own story.