The newsletter for chairs of theological school boards, Vol. 4, No. 3
The joy of gratitude
Gratitude can move from a personal discipline to an institutional value.
It’s tough to believe we’re already starting the holiday season, as next week brings the American celebration of Thanksgiving, the official start of the year-end celebrations.
This time of year, I’m reminded of a story that a colleague told me: He worked for a university president who said her favorite words were “thank you.” The president loved to thank people for their commitment to the institution and regularly offered her thanks in person and through emails, letters, and videos. Gratitude had become a spiritual discipline for her, and my colleague said it was contagious.
Gratitude moved from a personal discipline to an institutional value. It connected people to the university by recognizing their contributions.
As we start this holiday season, I want to thank you for your work in theological education. The work of theological education isn’t readily apparent in the larger world, but, as you know, good theological schools shape leaders who, in turn, shape their spiritual communities into forces for good in the world.
That’s not an easy task. It takes good boards and leaders to run theological schools, and I am grateful for all you do.
At the In Trust Center, it is a privilege to come alongside you and support you and your institutions. I normally fill these emails with resources to help you, but at the start of the busy holiday season, I doubt you need more to read. However, please reach out to our team if we can be helpful. You can respond to this email or simply email us here.
May you be blessed this holiday season. And, I’m finding these words are becoming some of my favorites too, so once again: Thank you, and have a happy holiday season.
In gratitude.
Amy Kardash
President
