The Rocky Mountain Collegian

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With the season of Advent upon us, and our semester-long journey reaching its end, the staff of The University News once again afforded me the opportunity to address our University community.

Indeed, as I often say, we are each members of the extended SLU family. No matter what our individual role--student, faculty, staff, administrator, alumni, parent, donor--the holiday season truly magnifies that image of our unity, despite our wonderful diversity. And while this time of year might be the so-called "season of giving," it's still only a brief period during which we can pause and reflect on that which we excel at year-round: namely, sharing our time, talent and treasure with one another and with those who need our help within the community.

As we prepare to celebrate with our own family and friends at home and abroad, I'd like to share with you a simple blessing that has become somewhat of a tradition during my own family's Christmas festivities:

"Thank you God for the taxes we pay, because it means we are employed;

For the mess to clean after a party, because it means we have been surrounded by fun-filled family and friends;

For the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means we have enough to eat;

For a lawn that needs mowing or gutters or sidewalks that need cleaning, because it means we have a home;

For that huge heating bill, because it means we are warm;

For the parking spot at the far end of the row, because it means we are capable of walking and that we have been blessed with transportation;

For all the complaining we hear about our government, because it means that we have freedom; and finally

For the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means we are alive. Amen."

While I do not know who authored this prayer, its meaning is poignant nonetheless. Despite its obvious humor, it does a great deal to remind us all about that which we have to be thankful for in our daily lives. I know that many of you are bogged down with writing papers, completing projects and preparing for exams. In the end, however, be thankful even for this work, because it means you have been given the opportunity to attend college.

My hope and my wish for each of you is that your semester ends as promisingly as it began. May you experience all the joys that this holiday season has to offer.

Please accept my prayers and best wishes for a safe, happy and holy holiday season. A very merry Christmas, happy Hanukah and joyous Kwanzaa to all!

Good luck on exams and have wonderful New Year. Wherever your holiday travels might take you, I look forward to your safe return in 2005.

Lawrence J. Biondi, S.J., is the president of Saint Louis University.

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