What if you did not need a map to find the treasure? What if you did not need a metal detector to find items of rare value buried underfoot? What if joy and happiness became associated less with possessions and more with discovery?
What if we discovered a different way of looking at treasure? Would not that be, at the very least, a tempting proposition? At the very most, would not that be downright liberating?
These are the questions that formed the foundation of the homily that I gave at the Opening of School Chapel Service this year. We are surrounded each day by gifts and talents at Trinity-Pawling. These are the gifts and talents that have been given to us by God, and each of us possess them. Some of us are aware of our gifts, but most of us have yet to make this discovery. We are on a journey, however, to discover the treasure that surrounds us each day in this community.
The challenge we face as a learning community is to be more aware that this journey of discovery is rich with potential. If we open ourselves to the revelations that can occur on this journey, we become more keenly aware of the greatness that exists in each student in our midst. We can learn to celebrate the many gifts and talents that enrich this community. And, we can come to the realization that there is joy to be found on this journey and the discoveries we make along the way. We can discover the treasure that is already in our midst and how liberating and joyous this can be.