Proven Grandeur

Whatever happened to the caliber of presidents that in their spare time they would design and build a magnificent college, or invent things, or manage huge estates and run businesses on the side? Presidents of old were accomplished men in so many areas, having proven themselves creative leaders long before a whole nation was entrusted to them. I know they had their faults, we all do, but every time I walk on the UVa campus and gaze across the vast Lawn upon the towering Rotunda, I feel the greatness lingering over the land that Jefferson walked and loved. Now presidents are honored for noble intentions with not one wisp of achievement to give solid deserving of the award. I just don't get it. I just read that some Moslem leaders want to take back Obama's Nobel peace prize.... they don't feel his lofty promises that secured him the honor have been acted upon. And they had such hopes for him, based on his middle name.

I am reflecting with pride upon my boy who graduated a few weeks ago from that magnificent university. I am so glad he went there, but maybe more for how much I loved wandering that beautiful campus than for how much he learned and flourished. I think I may require that Asherel choose a college based on how much I like to visit the buildings, the gardens, the cobble stone walkways. After all, America chooses its leaders on a flimsier basis.

When I got married, my brother videotaped random moments during the wedding and reception. My dear grandmother was caught on tape several times telling a different sibling , "You were always my favorite grandchild." And I am sure we all were at various times.... but still, it just seems that humans are so fickle and shallow. I know I am, at least. Why does God put up with us?

Matt will be going on to a new university in the fall for law school. I have heard Washington and Lee is beautiful, and can't wait to visit. I doubt it will have the grandeur of the UVa Rotunda, but I am sure it will have other redeeming attributes.... like great professors perhaps. Maybe it will be my new favorite campus even. At least in my fickle shallow appreciation of life, I do understand that I long for greatness, for unchanging permanence, for solid and eternal hope and fulfillment. I long for promises that are not empty or based on vapor. My flitting soul longs for my steadfast God.

Hebrew 6: 17-20
¹⁷Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. ¹⁹We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, ²⁰where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf.