Every now and then, I am watching “Jeopardy” or at a small gathering and someone will ask, “Do you have a favorite teacher or what teacher had the greatest impact on your life?” The person who answers has a better memory than I, because they always remember the name of the teacher and what he or she taught.
My answer would have to be something less personal. My greatest period of learning was during those six years of scrutiny by the Independent Counsel. In some ways the experience was spiritual. The highest form of sanctity is to live through Hell and not lose hope. To put it another way, I was taught resilience. The delivery system for my education during those most difficult years were my teachers — my wife, my family, friends, and teammates who taught me the highest form of unconditional love and resilience.
The poet Galway Kinnell tells us, “Sometimes it’s necessary to reteach a thing its loveliness.” We all have periods in our life where we need someone to care, someone who stands with us during those turbulent times, and someone who reteaches us our “own loveliness.”
During Lent consider the question, “Is there someone who needs a loving, caring adult in this difficult part of their lives?”
Mr. Hubbell, your words bring to mind a favorite quote of mine:
“Sometimes our light goes out but is blown back into flame by an encounter with another human being. Each of us owes our deepest thanks to those who have rekindled our inner light.” Albert Schweitzer
When I think of “those” in my life, I send this quote to them recalling the instance when unbeknownst to them they served as keeper of my flame.
And so it is with you, dear sir. You and your “Pew” do that weekly for me. Thank you for that.
And another favorite:
“Oh the comfort, the indescribable comfort, of feeling safe with a person. Having neither to weigh words nor consider thoughts, but pouring them all out – just as they are, chaff & grain together; certain that an understanding hand will take and sift them – keep what is worth keeping, and blow the rest away.”
Have a nice weekend.
Drake, thank you so very much for your comments and kind words. Have a great weekend. Webb