President Theodore Roosevelt spent much of his life in service to our country. He was a man who understood big ideas and real problems. He once advised graduating high school students with these sage words: “Be practical as well as generous in your ideals. Keep your eyes on the stars, but remember to keep your feet on the ground.”
Whether we are students heading out in the world, or are already well seasoned, this is good advice. Success in our personal life, in work, and in government all require a balance between idealism and practicality, generosity and skepticism. If we err too far on one side or the other we risk our ability to be effective.
May the Holy One bless us we seek ways to serve our State. May we be
granted wisdom and compassion, and the ability to find practical
solutions for difficult problems.
May this be God’s will--AMEN.