1800 Words at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

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1800 Words at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue

(1-15-2009)

Tonight I watched President Bush's farewell speech to the nation. It was a little over 1800 words. That's not a lot of words to sum up eight years of service. He spoke of gratitude to Vice President Cheney, his administration, wife, children parents and thanked the American people. He shared highlights of events from his presidency. He offered advice to the nation. Then he asked God to bless our country. Twelve minutes. That's all it took to say goodbye.

And then the media wrapped it up. Despite past criticisms, so many commented on the good job performed by George W. Bush as he kept our nation safe during two terms as President of the United States.

I sit here at my desk and wonder how long it would take to say goodbye if my job as wife, mother, daughter, friend, writer were coming to a close. What if I had only twelve minutes to summarize what I have accomplished in the work I feel I was chosen to do? Whom would I thank? To whom would I offer gratitude? What highlights of my life would I mention? Would I have advice worthy to pass on to others?

Of course, I would mention my husband, Steve. He has supported and loved me through thirty-eight years of marriage. He's calm, easy-going and puts up with my idiosyncrasies. (Please no comments from the press section.) My children have grown into loving, responsible adults of whom I am very proud. My grandchildren delight my heart. And like George W. Bush, I have had parents whose "examples have provided strength for a lifetime."

The highlights of my life wouldn't be accomplishments, but people. I have been blessed with two kind and loving sisters and a wonderful brother. Nieces, nephews, friends - the list is long. So many have added flavor, interest and love to my life. I've tried to remember that people are always more important than things, and so many of you have proven that statement true over and over.

I gave a lot of thought to five sentences near the end of the speech. . ..

"It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this Nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: citizen of the United States of America." (George W. Bush Farewell Speech; 1-15-09)

I tried to relate those sentences to my call in life to be a follower of Christ and rewrote them for myself.

It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as a disciple of Jesus Christ. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of my Lord and uplifted by many others walking in His way. I have been blessed to represent Christ, whom I love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other: Christian.

Yes, there will always be good days and tough days. Being a Christian doesn't exempt us from that. But what a privilege we have to live a life worthy of the calling of Christ. That's the legacy I want to be remembered for.

So there it is. It didn't even take me 1800 words. I don't know how long my job on Earth will last, but it is my desire to someday hear my Lord say, "Well done, good and faithful servant."