Local events provide inspiration

Hundreds of people throughout the area joined Thursday to pray for our country and its leaders as part of the National Day of Prayer. I was at the morning gathering at the Osage Center, hosted by Mayors Paul Sander and Jay Knudtson, where thoughtful prayers and uplifting music started the day in a godly way. Former secretary of state Bekki Cook delivered the featured address in warm, inclusive style.

Prayers were lifted up for local, state and national leaders; families and youth; the media; cultural and social services; and those involved in ministering. In her remarks, Cook thanked the prayer circles who keep government leaders in their thoughts and who send notes of encouragement. As a state official, she said this support was inspiring to her.

For photographs of the National Day of Prayer in Cape Girardeau and Jackson, visit the Web site semissourian.com/photogallery.

Two other inspiring events of the recent week were the performance by jazz legend Clark Terry at Southeast Missouri State University and the tributes given to local individuals and the community at Southeast Missouri Hospital's annual meeting.

The hospital is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and that milestone was the decorative theme of its gala dinner. Kudos to Nancy Bray and her marketing staff for turning the Show Me Center into a glittering jewel with black and gold drapes, ice sculptures and stunning flower arrangements. Most impressive, though, was the information in the speeches and videos about the hospital's broad contributions to the quality of life in the area and the individuals who work behind the scenes to deliver quality on a daily basis.

Gaining special recognition were hospital trustees Walter J. Ford, Charles L. Hutson and J. Ronald Fischer, who received Outstanding Service Awards. Ilena Aslin, immediate past president of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary, received the board of trustees' Special Service Award.

Jim Wente, hospital CEO and administrator, delivered the annual report before (with great pride) calling up several employees as recipients of the O.D. Niswonger "Spirit of Southeast" employee award. Those recognized were: Scott Givens, Shelly Dooley, Larry Vandergriff, Charlie Anderson and Clarissa Rodgers.

How blessed we are to have two superb hospitals with dedicated employees, excellent doctors and community-minded benefactors serving our region.

The same can be said about the influence of Southeast Missouri State University. If you were at Academic Hall a week ago Friday, you know what I mean. The university, Phi Mu Alpha and the student jazz ensemble, led by Barry Bernhardt, were hosts to one of the most accomplished musicians in American history. At 82 years-old, Clark Terry needs a little help moving around the stage. But his sound and rhythms, which have inspired millions of people around the world, maintain their punch.

The university students who played along with him were impressive, too. But what an opportunity to learn from a master, to listen to a kind of timing and syncopation that can only be God-given!

There is much to pray about in today's world: not least is to give thanks for the beauty of good people doing things well.

Jon K. Rust is co-president of Rust Communications. E-mail address: jrust@semissourian.com.