One for the Gipper

I could not imagine a more perfect way to start a journey of a lifetime than today's visit to the Reagan Library.  Given the news we heard today - that another of America's most malignant enemies was defeated - it seems unfathomably poignant that we stood and paid honor to one of our homeland's strongest defenders, even at the same hour when such a great victory was achieved, and literally touched the ancient flow of a deep great history.

I have been to many museums over time, and while I love history and art, and the privilege to see and share their treasures, I do find them often somewhat boring, frankly.  I think this is not uncommon.  I expected a similar experience today, going in.  I knew I would feel honored and happy to pay my tribute to my favorite world leader and one of my great heroes.  But I did not expect to be so deeply moved.  I never saw a more engaging exhibit from history before.  The presentation was truly powerful, and had the sense of being in a living experience, not just a quiet respectful drifting past stuffy artifacts that museums normally evoke.

The architecture was excellent, from the classic ranch-style hacienda that Reagan loved, to the ultra modern massive curtain wall facing the sprawling valley below, all the way to the Pacific Ocean, in the Air Force One room.  These seemed fittingly to reflect the character of a man who was as old fashioned and down-to-Earth as they come, the classic American cowboy, while simultaneously being a great visionary of a fantastic future, of a Great Shining City on a Hill.  The folks who designed and built this place loved President Reagan fittingly, and it showed.

But as I sit writing now, I feel like I was honored especially on this day.  All I can do is just give thanks to my kind Creator who lovingly allowed such grace to me, which is far above what I ever deserved.  Just hours ago, I solemnly reached out and touched with my own hand a gnarled steel beam from the World Trade Center, which was given to the library.  Although he was no longer with us, it seemed very fitting that one room in the exhibit was given to remember 9-11.  In the resting place of one of the world's greatest freedom fighters to have ever lived, it seemed perfectly appropriate.  Now to learn of this great victory on the same day...  What a kindness from heaven.  I know we all shed tears in the wake of the terrible day, possibly our darkest national hour since we fought to end the universal and ancient horror of slavery.

I cannot help but feel deep, even overwhelming gratitude.  While I have long known that God does hear our prayers, and knows us individually, I had not ever fathomed that He might speak directly to me.  But I cannot conclude otherwise now.  I know...  through all these years, that He does know our griefs and sorrows, and even knows my own personally, and is just and faithful, and kind to the oppressed.

The capstone of the visit was in the final moments.  I know many may not feel so strongly, but for me, President Reagan is a personal hero, and has been ever since I was just a boy, and eagerly passed out bumper stickers in the A&P parking lot during his second campaign.  It was easy then, and remains easy now, for me to recognize greatness when I saw it.  When the Gipper passed, I did grieve for him, even though I never knew him personally.  Seeing again the precious footage of those days, reading personal notes of condolence to Mrs. Reagan from great world leaders - the Iron Lady of England, Margaret Thatcher, and even from Queen Elizabeth herself, written in their own writing - I did briefly have to fight tears which began to well up inside, that such a great man is not with us any more.  But I took heart knowing he is with our Lord in heaven now, no longer to struggle in this dust of Earth.

So at the close of the day, we approached his grave and stood silently for a moment.  The natural beauty of this place is astounding.  The sun is bright and shining clearly.  The ocean glints and glimmers far below in the distance.  Cool summer breezes gently lift cheerful songs of happy birds, and the fragrant smells of all kinds of flowers in bloom.  It is a perfect moment.  I stood looking down and again marveled at the beauty of this world, that dust and darkness has risen up to form such things.  In that moment, I knew there is a God in heaven who loves us, and who orders all our steps.

David standing over the valley

Ronnie's mother Nell's Bible, well used and marked, opened to 2 Chronicles 7:14 - "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  Her note says "A most wonderful verse, for the healing of the nations".  Although his father was an alcoholic, her faith like a lighthouse guided him to safer shores.

This quote has been on my Facebook for a long time now.  How great to see the original plaque which adorned his desk.  I also like the It CAN Be Done.

He could not speak immediately after surgery, due to tubes, and wrote notes to communicate.  The last one is especially good.  He was a human man, and was immediately concerned with whether he would still be able to clear wood and ride his beloved horses after injury, more than whether he would be able to continue to run the free world!

A picture that hung in the Oval Office

One of our other two Greatest Presidents.

The famous Jelly Bellys to which he oft would turn during a boring policy meeting, to lighten the mood!

The Curtain Wall

Me with Reagan's Air Force One - no photography allowed inside, although we did get to see it, and it was amazing!  Like the panorama shot?!

One of the tunnel entrances in the Berlin Wall, many of which were dug out by captives under communism, so desperate to flee to freedom that they risked there lives.  In all, 137 are known to have been killed by the guards attempting escape.

Yes, we are doing the tunnel.  Maybe made for kids, but for us, wanting to go through the experience of crawling through one of those tunnels, no embarrassment to do it also.

Am I sufficiently dorky?!  Yes, we also did the kiddie horsey ride.  Oh, what I would give to have actually ridden with him.  But in his absence, I will honor his spirit with a little good cheer and plain old fun!  Rope em and bag em cowboy!  hahaha

Reagan's most endearing letter, read in his own voice as we solemnly stood.  He said goodbye and faced the great void with courage and grace only a man who knew God could.  Here is where the waterworks first wanted to spring.  But I held my dignity still, out of respect.  This is no place to break down, but one to build up resolve to do good, honoring that cloud of witnesses that have gone before us.

Panorama of the valley, side of the hacienda on the right.

I honor my fallen hero.  I love you Gipper.  You make me a better man by knowing the man you were.  As Margaret Thatcher, the Iron Lady and your fellow conspirator against the evil empire so eloquently wrote in your funeral guest book, "Well Done, Thou Good and Faithful Servant".

Such beauty formed from dust and darkness these many aeons...

You know what?  I think everything is gonna be alright...

I do not intend this blog to be "religious" at all, but just an honest expression of my heart and mind as I go through something very special for me.  But today, with God so near to my heart, I will close with this, a great verse my wise and kind mother recited to me many times in darker days:

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.