February 1, 2010
Becky Tweedy, Assistant to the President

There is a lovely gentleman at church who, when greeted with, “how are you doing?” on a Sunday morning will, more often than not respond with, “I’m more blessed than I deserve.”  I’ve heard this reply before, and ruminated over it from time to time, but recently thought about the life that would make it a standard response.  It would necessarily be a life filled with gratitude; one that loves to give; probably enjoys serving others in many different ways.

The very Southern tradition of taking food to families in time of bereavement is a case in point.  When it seems there is nothing that can be done, no words to express our sorrow or empathy, we can bake. Or make a casserole. Or two. In fact, this cookbook was inspired by the comforting power of food.

And daily, what a blessing to be able to prepare meals to share with residential communities! To be able to provide the warmth and love of home for them at breakfast time or at dinner; to fix a quick but nourishing lunch to sustain students through afternoon classes or that test that has been such a challenge.

...simple acts of kindness, of service, of community...

I think we are blessed with the opportunity to be able to serve in this way. More blessed than we deserve? Personally, I believe there are plenty of blessings to go around, so deserving is not really the point. I am thankful that I work with caring people, in a loving company, where “culture” is more than a trendy buzz-word. I am thankful that what we do for a living means something to our guests, every meal, every day. What a blessing!

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