Reaching to Heaven

I wandered through the Washington and Lee campus while waiting for my son Matt's Appellate Moot Court finals. I arrived early enough so that I could walk for a while. I love the beauty and history of both that campus, and the adjoining VMI campus. Both have been around since the early 1800s, and both are magnificent. And it was a perfect fall day, with the leaves in resplendent hues of yellow, crimson, and gold.

I was so proud of Matt. He had advanced through several rounds against many talented law students, and now was in the finals. He presented his case in front of three judges, one of whom had been appointed by George Bush and was considered for the Supreme Court. I had not seen Matt speak publicly since he was 17 years old, in his high school debates. If you will forgive a proud mother a moment of boasting, I thought that he, of all the finalists, was by far the most convincing, intelligent, persuasive, passionate, and logical in his presentation. Unfortunately, the judge didn't agree and he didn't win, but I was blown away by how excellent Matt was, and so proud for how far he has come.

I know it is hard to work diligently towards a goal and not come away with the accolades you deserve and desire. But it is one of the realities of life. Hurtful as it is, learning to live with disappointment and continuing to reach as high as you can is worth the pain, even when your fingertips just scrape the edge. I thought of the beautiful historic chapels I had passed on my walk earlier. Their spires pierced the cloudless blue sky, reaching for but not quite touching Heaven itself. But I was so glad for the reminder of what we all should be reaching towards, knowing our faith in the goal is all that is required.


Psalm 108:3-5 (NIV)
I will praise you, Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples. [4] For great is your love, higher than the heavens; your faithfulness reaches to the skies. [5] Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth.




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