Sunday, October 28, 2012

Grateful to be seated

A week or so ago, Paul Campbell SJ at People for Others posted a list of 10 things he was grateful for, and encouraged readers to do the same.  I loved the things big and small that people were thankful for in their lives — from their cameras to their children to the feel of the cool, damp air of morning on their faces that one morning.

I did the exercise that was suggested, then set to preparing for a talk that was I giving to celebrate my appointment to a named chair. I made the usual acknowledgements slide — a formal list of collaborators and funding sources for the projects I'd spoken about.  But as I looked at it, it seemed like not quite enough for this occasion.  And so I started typing.  A list of everyone I could think of who had encouraged and supported my work as a scholar of chemistry and as a writer.  Family and friends and teachers and editors and readers and collaborators.  A litany of gratitude....

4 comments:

  1. It is an honor and a privilege to support such generous gifts and graces in the smallest way.

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  2. Michelle, your gift of writing offer so many blessings to me - I am truly humbled.

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  3. Amen - I too am humbled and most grateful. You, and all of the people that I am connected to, because of you. What rich gifts.

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  4. Anonymous8:14 PM

    Gratitude runs two ways.

    peace, joy, and thanksgiving for you,
    Katherine

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