University Libraries Promotion and Tenure Recognition

I thought I knew the definition of a blessing until I found this book. It gave me both a new appreciation for the actual blessings in my life—some of them previously unacknowledged—as well as expanded my definition of the word itself.  Blessings are meant to comfort and guide as we face new challenges. As the author notes, “For such crossings we need to find new words. What is nearest to the heart is often farthest from the word.”  The blessings contained here gave me “the words” to cross over to new shorelines in my life, be it a major milestone or simply a new experience. The blessings are profound, beautiful, and written in the style of invocations.

In the words of O’Donohue, “through the innocence of beginning, we are often seduced into growth.” No doubt, my tenure journey included many beginnings that coaxed me into becoming someone different. In the moment, it’s often hard to be thankful for the lessons that life throws at you, but in hindsight I find I am ever thankful for the journeys. 

I would like to thank the biggest blessing in my life, my lovely husband, Jeff, without whom the journey wouldn’t have been nearly as much fun, or even possible. May we have many more blessed beginnings!

Awaken your spirit to adventure;

Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;

Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,

For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

 - From “For A New Beginning”