Themes of Gratitude Infuse Chapel
Robert J. Hussey, Sr. Chair of Religion Clay Smythe ’85 opened the annual Thanksgiving chapel November 26, reading from the “1928 Book of Common Prayer.” Upper School Counselor Chima Onwuka offered The Collect. Luke Tijong ’26 read Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Joey Paul ’25, Psalm 65; and Instructor in Religion Elliott Dent, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15.
After a Chopin piano interlude by Instructor in Math Steve Gadbois, Beg To Differ, led by Mr. Matt Tutor ’91, provided a stirring rendition of “O, Love that Will Not Let Me Go.” Then Director of Development Harvey Kay ’01 read The Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15) and shared a modern-day parable about Mr. Potts, the Smythe’s beloved cat who went missing a few years back, to illustrate the truth that no one escapes loss in this life.
“Being lost comes in many forms – depression, stress, anxiety, trouble with friends, illness, or parents going through a divorce are some of the ways that you or your friends might be experiencing this. The good news is that God … doesn’t wait for you to shape up before He seeks you. And when you’re encountering God, you’re encountering a God who is rejoicing in finding you, just like Smythes celebrated finding Potts.”
Kay encouraged the boys to enjoy the break and take stock of their blessings. If they are struggling to discover gratitude in their lives, he said, consider service – including helping with the Mid-South Food Bank distribution on campus the following morning (November 27).
“There is no better cure for loneliness and self-pity than to serve someone else. … You will find that gratitude is possible,” Kay said. He concluded, “He who has ears to hear, happy Thanksgiving.”
Under the direction of Instructor in Music Bryan Scott, a string quartet featuring Will Brezina ’27, Bill Chiang ’26, Soren Johnson ’27, and Liam McCarver ’26 played Tchaikovsky’s “Chanson Triste.”
After Smythe’s benediction, the quartet played “Gavotte” by Gluck as the congregation dispersed.
A video of the chapel can be viewed HERE.
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“Being lost comes in many forms – depression, stress, anxiety, trouble with friends, illness, or parents going through a divorce are some of the ways that you or your friends might be experiencing this. The good news is that God … doesn’t wait for you to shape up before He seeks you. And when you’re encountering God, you’re encountering a God who is rejoicing in finding you, just like Smythes celebrated finding Potts.”
Kay encouraged the boys to enjoy the break and take stock of their blessings. If they are struggling to discover gratitude in their lives, he said, consider service – including helping with the Mid-South Food Bank distribution on campus the following morning (November 27).
“There is no better cure for loneliness and self-pity than to serve someone else. … You will find that gratitude is possible,” Kay said. He concluded, “He who has ears to hear, happy Thanksgiving.”
Under the direction of Instructor in Music Bryan Scott, a string quartet featuring Will Brezina ’27, Bill Chiang ’26, Soren Johnson ’27, and Liam McCarver ’26 played Tchaikovsky’s “Chanson Triste.”
After Smythe’s benediction, the quartet played “Gavotte” by Gluck as the congregation dispersed.
A video of the chapel can be viewed HERE.
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