From the Interim Rector eNotes from Eden Nov. 25, 2009
I received last month the Virginia Theological Seminary's journal for fall 2009. In it was an article by James Barney Hawkins IV, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, entitled "The Practice of Gratefulness." While he also spoke to the unique challenges educational establishments are facing in this recession, I was touched by his words on gratefulness. I share excerpts with you here as a precursor to the Thanksgiving weekend and as a reminder of a lifelong practice that reaps many benefits for the practitioner using gratefulness on a regular, not just seasonal, basis.
This [past] summer I have found myself intentionally practicing gratefulness. On vacation I gave thanks for a different routine; for the beauty of our mountain home; for my quirky but beloved father-in-law who passed away this July; for the opportunity to preach at the August installation of Lonnie Lacy at St. Anne's Church in Tifton, Georgia; and for the generosity of family and friends. A grateful heart seems right for a summer day that is perfect in every way.
And, although I was frustrated by the entire process of General Convention, it did leave me with one abiding thought; many people love this Church. I was grateful for small moments in Anaheim: seeing an old friend; having a drink and a good laugh at the end of the day; and being inspired by heavenward music at the services of worship.
George Herbert has written, "Thou hast given so much to us... give us one thing more: a grateful heart." This summer I have offered up Herbert's well-worn words in my own prayers about my life and for this Seminary.
So, thank you, Barney Hawkins, for the gentle reminder, and, Happy Thanks-giving to all in this beloved parish.
Peter Hogg
"The Practice of Gratefulness"
I received last month the Virginia Theological Seminary's journal for fall 2009. In it was an article by James Barney Hawkins IV, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, entitled "The Practice of Gratefulness." While he also spoke to the unique challenges educational establishments are facing in this recession, I was touched by his words on gratefulness. I share excerpts with you here as a precursor to the Thanksgiving weekend and as a reminder of a lifelong practice that reaps many benefits for the practitioner using gratefulness on a regular, not just seasonal, basis.
This [past] summer I have found myself intentionally practicing gratefulness. On vacation I gave thanks for a different routine; for the beauty of our mountain home; for my quirky but beloved father-in-law who passed away this July; for the opportunity to preach at the August installation of Lonnie Lacy at St. Anne's Church in Tifton, Georgia; and for the generosity of family and friends. A grateful heart seems right for a summer day that is perfect in every way.
And, although I was frustrated by the entire process of General Convention, it did leave me with one abiding thought; many people love this Church. I was grateful for small moments in Anaheim: seeing an old friend; having a drink and a good laugh at the end of the day; and being inspired by heavenward music at the services of worship.
George Herbert has written, "Thou hast given so much to us... give us one thing more: a grateful heart." This summer I have offered up Herbert's well-worn words in my own prayers about my life and for this Seminary.
So, thank you, Barney Hawkins, for the gentle reminder, and, Happy Thanks-giving to all in this beloved parish.
Peter Hogg
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