We have spent the last week reflecting on the passing of
President George Herbert Walker Bush. In
particular I appreciated the “Christ –Centered” focus and the traditional
liturgical worship of the Episcopal Church.
Over the last couple of decades I have drifted more toward contemporary
music when it comes to worship. It was
nice to hear the traditional hymns. It took
me back to my roots growing up at St. James Lutheran Church in Grosse Pointe,
Michigan and my early ministry years at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Downers
Grove, Illinois.
It is well known that President Bush #41 did not like the “L Word.” Yet, there is no doubt that he did leave a
legacy. When you watched, and listened
to his friends and family you could see the imprint he had left on
their lives. I suspect some of his
disdain for the “L” word is rooted in the fact that it implies that our
earthy mission is accomplished. If we
humbly believe it is God’s desire that we live each day as his disciples, our
mission is not accomplished until we take our last breath. Only then will others have a full view of our
lives. Those who follow us will define
our legacy.
With that in mind, here are some things I have learned
from President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Love your enemies.
President Bush gained a reputation for being able to work with people
who disagreed with him and perhaps even disliked him.
I need to do a better job of building bridges rather than walls.
The expedient thing is not always the right thing. He had promised, “no more taxes” but when it
was clear that raising taxes was the best option he went ahead fully knowing it
might cost him an election.
Learn to laugh at yourself. POTUS 41 did have some quirky mannerisms. No one capitalized on them more than comedian
Dana Carvey. Instead of ignoring or even
criticizing those who poked fun at him, he embraced them. He and Dana Carvey had a great friendship.
Embrace the hope that we have in Jesus. George H. W. Bush knew his Savior. He believed that Jesus had died for his sins
and rose again from the dead. He looked
forward to the eternal reunion that awaits those who die in the Lord.
Rest in peace George Herbert Walker Bush. Mission accomplished.
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