I graduated from Newcastle University on 28 June 1991. I was the first in the family to go to University. My parents and brother came to the graduation. My Dad was very bright, and could have gone to university had his father not passed away at a young age.

The congregation gathered for the graduation. The Chancellor said something about not clapping until everyone had been announced. My Dad did not hear him or wilfully ignored the instruction (that is where I get it from).

When my name was announced, he cheered and clapped. Of course, I was embarrassed. It was like who is he with and all that. However, now I think my Dad in that action gave a perfect image of what God is like.

My God is the kind of one that claps and cheers for all of his children. Sometimes I forget that he cheers for me, and sometimes the church creates a God who is too stern and aloof when in fact God breaks the rules to cheer on his children.

End of the lesson for today