“Centennial”-men! Indeed!
“Great” works of genuine genius come
forth on several occasions during one’s lifetime; often, if one is open,
direct, honest and true in Faith! Hope! And, Love! These emotional reminders of
the very “Good” of persons leave a positive lasting impression upon those “Pure-of-heart”.
Once, not so very long ago, this country
was filled to overflowing with real-life heroes, men and women of “ordinary”
means who chose to stand tall, cast a long shadow of courage, people of Faith!
Family! And, Freedom! Of the opinion, expressed and lived, that “What other
people think of me is none of my business” (a quote from actor James Cavezal
who portrayed Jesus).
These intrepid leaders did not cringe at
the idea, or need, to give their word on any issue of importance; then,
steadfast in their commitment, those champions, those extra-ordinary
gentle-persons proved that, indeed, their “word” became their “bond”. This “Greatest
Generation”, of course, the men and women of the World War II era. Thank you!
For defining: Excellence!
They, prodigy of ancestral “Greatness”,
refined dignity, designed a better world, resigned “Pride” as they embraced a
humble attitude handing life on a platter to the “Boomer” generation.
Pray! That we do not squander that
uniquely splendid inheritance. Amen!
Micherner’s Centennial, Puzo’s
Godfather,
and, McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove brought to life portrayals of characters
reminiscent of the heroes who made America great as they taught a naïve society
the importance-culture of “Honor!” To find such men today is to behold:
Treasure!
Such do exist; in voluminous quantity.
All one need do is: Look! And, know ‘How’ to search.
My friend, Eli Zendt of Centennial-fame
well-stated truth with “Men claim ownership of the land, but, the land
rightfully claims them.” In the end, they all get a small plot, six feet deep!
Those worthy visions are reality; savor
them through living! I have stood on the summit and privilege-viewed the eagle
in flight from above, tasted fog at Brookings’ surf and faced Gold Beach’s
Pacific winds, been out Idaho-way, licked honey-sweet British Columbia’s classic
Victoria, greeted many a Tennessee misty morn, dared challenge Hope! And Pride!
And Comfort! Along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River. Oh! So much more.
And, then some.
Like parental Love! And, Family!
Friends! Acquaintances! Some, even strangers!
And, from all those delicious
experiences: I am truly humbled! Amen!
Little is as pleasurable as pressing a
tingly nose against the neck of the noble beast on a frigid ten-degree day as a
cold winter-sun stares vacant-bleak shining warmth quickly stolen by the
Winter-king of a northern land. Yet, my friend, the horse, offers loving
comfort merely in its being. Like that loyal beast, man perseveres! I have
known “True” men and women-folk. Amen!
In all, errant pursuit of wealth pilfers
life; “Simple” holds a reality of “Pleasure-Treasure!”
Upon rare occasion, I have held a
nugget-gold, or two; maybe, several silver coins. But, Love bestowed, and,
received, is beyond worthy value-eternal as true virtue fully within my grasp.
Provide: Redemption! Lord! Allow:
Salvation! Too. That one such as I might join that august Communion-of-Saints
to enjoy company among Your celestial Band-of-Angels. Amen!
The very best I might hope to be
remembered as:
A Centennial-man! Indeed!
Faith! Family! Freedom! Might
just be all there really---Is!
In one eternal instant, the only
mercy-blessing will be…His!
Amen!
