This Father’s Day reminds me of the Father’s love to our family in 2021.

It was a special year, especially for me, as I completed my doctoral study at The University of British Columbia on February 18, 2021 – eight days after my first child was born at BC Women’s Hospital and Health Centre. In just over a week, I received two titles: “Dad” and “Dr.”

It is an amazing experience, all by the heavenly Father’s grace.

Not many people know that, during my Ph.D. program, I also had an opportunity to join a three-year Bible college at Faith Bible Institute. So, for about 2.5 years, I simultaneously studied in two different worlds: applied science/engineering and faith/worship. Again, by His grace, I could finish this latter program, so I officially received two diplomas in May 2021.

Living in two worlds of science and faith has been a privilege and pleasure to me. As much as I enjoy studying about electron, water, hydrogen, biomass, etc., I delight in knowing the One who created it all. (I would like to write more about this experience in a separate article later.)

This milestone confirms my intuition long time ago – when I was still in a junior high school – that it is possible to be both academically competent and spiritually capable.

Looking back, I knew it would have not been possible without love and support from my family, advisors, friends, and coworkers. However, on this Father’s Day week, I would especially dedicate this milestone to my father, Cornelius Dizzi Wijaya, (and my mother, of course), who has inspired me to strive and do my best academically, with their tireless support of prayers and love.

My parents are ‘just’ high-school graduates, so it is natural that they wished their children surpass their education level. And I am forever grateful that their dream has become a reality that, for me, happened at a very beautiful time and in a way that is beyond our imagination.

I believe that achievements should not be sources of pride, but rather of gratitude and humility. And I need to remind myself about this over and over again. My achievements are more of a proof that I am ENABLED than that I am ABLE. With achievement comes responsibility.

After all, it’s not the end, it’s just the beginning.

And more importantly, this reward is – at least, to me personally – another affirmation of the love and the work of the heavenly Father in my life. It is all His work in, through, and for me – so all glory to Him. Soli Deo Gloria.

Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”

1 Corinthians 1:31, NIV

A reflection on the Father’s Day
Vancouver, June 20, 2022