Week of Gratitude (Day2) On this day, we celebrate teachers. Take time to think of those who have shaped you in positive ways. Name their gifts and find a way to acknowledge them with gratitude. (family day is Thursday so gratitude today is focused beyond the family). Extra credit = and on the other side of the equation, we have willing students. Name and express gratitude for the opportunity to pass along some passions and/or hard won lessons ~ And so I thank, a treasured elder of many years past, Eleanor Claflin ('Ma Winchester') who taught the gift of presence, taking the time to listen and talk to children and youth on Winchester Common in the 60s and 70s, my high school art teacher, Tom Tracy who taught me to trust the artist within, friend and business colleague Dona Omanoff who taught outrageous authenticity always has a place even if it's best partially muted from time to time, Hope Johnson who teaches grace and presence in all word and deed, Pat Marston & Jory Agate who taught/teach radical hospitality, Gert McNally & Gini Wight who taught friendship at its finest, Liz Weber who teaches me about living, Helen Bishop who taught generosity of head and heart even when its about sharing one's own pain, Janice Marie Johnson who teaches words really do make a difference, Jack Mendelsohn and Vic Carpenter who teach commitment to linked generations and that one is never 'done,' Sean Fletcher who taught 'showing up' fully in body and spirit, Diane Fasulo who teaches acceptance and advocacy for all of our children and adults, especially when they have differing needs and abilities, Dean Fasulo who taught me to embrace people who are different because of the different way they moved through the world rather than despite it, Naomi King who teaches alignment with the spirit, the youth of my congregation who teach me about our world and their generation and how to be in authentic relationship across the generations over and over and over again, the entire UUCM congregation who teaches and learns ministry with me each day, each student I've ever had in the pool. You taught/teach me trust, achievement comes in all sorts of measures and glee.
There are so many, many more who have had the fortitude to teach me on the journey on days when I arrived eager to learn and days when I was, well ................. less than eager!
No comments:
Post a Comment