Thomas Merton wrote, “To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything.” The older I become, the wiser these words seem.

Now in the tenth year of my presidency at Davis & Elkins College, I ask your indulgence for a personal reflection in this edition of my “Reflecting Along the Journey” column. As we prepare for the uniquely American holiday of Thanksgiving, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the honor and privilege of serving as the 15th president of D&E.

The journey Lisa and I have shared with our many friends and acquaintances who are part of the extended D&E family–in Elkins and beyond–has been a true blessing. Residing among these mountains of our beloved home state continues to feed our spirits and soothe our souls.

As I reflect on this past decade, my attitude of gratitude extends to several groups I greatly respect and deeply value.

First, I am honored to work with a Board of Trustees and an Alumni Association composed of volunteers who love this institution and give generously of their time, counsel, and financial resources.

Second, the College faculty are not only experts in their fields–they are also dedicated and caring teachers who pour themselves into the lives of our students.

Third, the College staff are the unsung heroes. This institution could not function without their conscientious and professional work, always placing the care and well-being of our students at the forefront.

Fourth, I have been blessed to come to know many of our alumni and the numerous friends of the College who recruit new students, provide financial support, and whose love and pride for Davis & Elkins College never waver.

Another group has secured a particularly special place in my heart. Day in and day out, I am blessed to interact with our students–young people who inspire me with their thirst for knowledge, desire to serve, and drive to succeed. My optimism and hope for the future come directly from these young men and women who are preparing to be the next generation of leaders in our communities and nation. I give thanks for them daily and for the hope they represent.

In 1904, a visionary group of faith leaders founded a Presbyterian institution that would emphasize the liberal arts and be dedicated to a values-based education for all who journeyed upon its hallowed grounds. One hundred and twenty-one years later, I remain grateful for their vision and faithfulness, which continue to shape and inspire the D&E community.

Recognizing the life-changing power of gratitude, and as we pause as a nation to give thanks later this month, our cornucopia of blessings truly overflows. Chief among these, I offer thanks for a college that has transformed, and will continue to transform, the lives of students past, present, and future. Davis & Elkins College provides an educational experience marked by distinction and excellence. That is truly worthy of our thanksgiving.

May our attitude of gratitude permeate our lives–not only on Thanksgiving Day, but each and every day we are blessed with life and breath.

The journey continues…