DEEPLY STIRRED

Being a retired person gave me the privilege of sitting and watching President George H. W. Bush's funeral from beginning to end.  The impact of doing so was immense and I'll be sorting out that impact for at least a few days!  But let me try to capture some of it for the benefit of others who may not have had the same privilege.

PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!
I felt a unique sense of pride in being an American as a result of watching the funeral.  A lot of it came from the pomp and circumstance that embodied the event from beginning to end.

• the precision of the military
• the majesty of the U.S. Capital
• the respect for the Bush family
• the unity of opposing parties in honoring a great president
• the massive response of the general public
• seeing our five living presidents (and their wives) seated together
• seeing six living vice presidents sitting together
• seeing Senator Bob Dole helped to his feet in the capital to offer a salute to his friend

Hearing the universal praise for a former president was encouraging.  As these days have unfolded, I have sensed a return of patriotism in my spirit.  It never left completely, but it has waned as a result of bitter feuds, unkind exchanges and partisan manipulations.  

In my fourth year of life, my father taught me respect for our nation by instructing me to take my hat off when I saw the U.S. flag passing by.  He always modeled patriotism with excellence for me.  One of the few days of the year that we would spend completely together was Memorial Day.  We would begin by going to three cemeteries to decorate family graves.  Then, we would attend the New Brighton Memorial Day parade and the service following at the city park on Third Avenue.  Then, and only then, we would return home for a picnic.  

It feels good to experience that noble pride that comes from living in one of the greatest nations to ever exist on the face of this earth!

THE POWER OF WORDS

I'm a preacher, so I value words.  For over forty years I spent my week praying and mulling over the things I would say in my message on Sunday.  It was an honor to have that privilege and I always took it seriously.  I believed then, and believe now, that words can and do impact us.  

The four who paid verbal tribute to President Bush today were:

• Jon Meacham, the presidential historian
• Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney
• Former Senator Alan Simpson, [R-Wyo]
• Former President George W. Bush

Their words were carefully chosen and crafted in a manner that allowed them to communicate with grace, skill, power and effectiveness.  Each created moments for humor and laughter in remembering a great leader.  Tears were evoked repeatedly.  We were reminded that President Bush was an imperfect man, whose story nearly ended when he crashed into the ocean on September 2, 1944.  

They sprinkled their comments with quotes worth remembering:

• George W. Bush said of his father:  "He was born with just two settings: full throttle, then sleep".  He also said, "He could tease and needle but never out of malice.”
• Senator Simpson said, “He was a man of such great humility. Those who travel the high road of humility in Washington, D.C. are not bothered by heavy traffic."
• Mr. Meacham quipped, “President Bush once remarked, 'Fluency in English is something that I’m often not accused of.’ Then, Meacham added: “His tongue may have run amok at times, but his heart was steadfast.”
• Mr. Mulroney stated:  "...when world leaders dealt with Bush, they knew that they were dealing with a gentleman, a genuine leader, one that was distinguished, resolute and brave.”

The Rev. Dr. Russell Levenson, rector of St. Martin’s Episcopal Church in Houston, delivered the homily, drawing tears from some in the crowd.

He said, “My hunch is heaven just got a bit kinder and gentler. … Welcome to your eternal home, where ceiling and visibility are unlimited, and life goes on forever.”

As I listened to and responded to these words, I felt something happening inside.  There was a strengthening taking place.  A resolve was growing to be a better man, a better father, a better husband, and a better member of my community.  I found myself reflecting on Proverbs 18:21, "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."  

THE RICHNESS OF OUR FAITH

Being a man of faith and a leader in the church, I was deeply moved by the expressions of faith I witnessed at the funeral.

• the majesty of the Washington National Cathedral
• the wonderful music of symphony and choir
• the prayers of the priests and responses of the people
• the power of the hymns
• hearing Michael W. Smith sing:  "...a lifetime's not too long to live as friends."
• the frequent references to reunions in Heaven
• hearing the Word of God read publicly
• hearing the congregation read the Apostle's Creed

I observed a Houston pastor who has been thrust into the limelight because of one of his parishoners give a challenging and inspiring message!  He referred to the 'Rose Window' in the Cathedral and reflected on President Bush's admiration for it.  

He reminded us that the window's beauty is only fully realized when the sun shines through it and lights its colors gloriously.  He reminded us that the gloom of the crucifixion was only removed with the dawn of the resurrection!  Finally, he challenged us to let the light of Christ shine through our lives!  Once again, the power of words!

Again, I felt something moving within.  Life is short.  Eternity is long!  We are leaving footsteps in the sand.  People matter!  My life has purpose!  Heaven is real!  

Two days ago, I wrote a letter to Troy and Tracie.  In it, I wrote:

I look back over my life and wish I’d spent even more time with you 

and taught you even more.    

Careers can be so distracting!  

I just told your Mom one of my favorite memories.  

We were all walking down Main Street in East Liverpool.  

You two were quite young.  

I had you each by the hand as we walked together.  I treasure that memory!  

Make the memories while you can!  If you haven't been storing up treasure in Heaven - it's time to start!  God bless you!