Once upon a time, a small fishing village sat perched on a cliff along rocky and dangerous coastline. Every year, a few passing ships would be trapped in a storm and sink. The survivors would swim ashore, battered, cold, wet and in need of shelter. Villagers would stream down to the beach with blankets and bandages to help them. They offered comfort and help to the hurting sailors.

According to this old story, years went by, and soon there were too many shipwrecks and sailors for the little villager to handle. Government grants were obtained and a rescue center was established a small way inland. Professionals were hired to staff the center. Protocols were established. Forms had to be filled out. At first, lines for help grew. Only the sailors in greatest need were treated. Eventually, sailors stopped coming.

Then one day, a big ship wrecked off shore. A few villagers trekked to the beach with blankets and bandages to help.

Sometimes, our lives and activities can become so demanding that we lose sight of why we are doing things in the first place. In our case, our efforts to succeed in our scholarly and professional pursuits can become so intense that we forget why we came here in the first place. Yet, we must not forget why we are here. We seek to become outstanding professional and scholars in our field. Yet, our calling and purpose is much higher.

In the Chapel Service on Tuesday, Cinema-Television student Daniela Abravanel Beyruti reminded us of how our calling must make us different from many others in our profession. If you missed it, you may watch her remarks at he January 25, Chape Video Stream>

Shalom,
Michael Patrick
Dean