On May 14, the Perkins community gathered at Moody Coliseum for a worship service in honor of the 2021 graduating class. This is also the occasion when we present annual academic achievement awards to outstanding current and graduating students.
Thanks to the spacious venue, we were able to gather in person, with masks and social distancing. Some members of the class of 2020 who couldn’t attend last year were also present. I think anyone in attendance will remember this momentous occasion: the first time the entire Perkins community was together, in person, in one place, praying, singing and celebrating.
At the close, I offered a benediction. It seems fitting to share this here, in the last issue of Perspective for the 2020-2021 academic year.
The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Philippi:
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is beautiful, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—set your mind on such things. (4:8)
As we step from this place, this beginning, into an open future of opportunity and promise, let us strive to:
Learn what is true, especially where truth eliminates prejudice
Embrace what is noble, especially where nobility challenges self-interest
Choose what is right, especially where right action requires sacrifice
Do what is pure, especially where purity of spirit overcomes double-mindedness
Seek what is beautiful, especially where the love of beauty frees us from mediocrity
Search out what is admirable, especially where that search leads to a life of purpose
Pursue excellence, especially where that pursuit benefits others
And commit to what is praiseworthy, especially where the commitment to the greater good sets us free from vanity.
So may we invest our time and talents wisely and honorably, living our best lives—learning, growing, creating, serving, loving well—and so reflecting the true image of God.
Amen.
Blessings to you and yours as we begin the summer season. See you this fall.
Dean Craig C. Hill