March 21, 2006

Gifts of Time and Wisdom

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12: 1-2

When Fred Rogers of children’s television fame died in early 2003, for several weeks afterwards the news was filled with stories and remembrances of this kind and gentle man. One reported remembered that day when Fred Rogers had been invited to address the prestigious National Press Club in Washington, DC. The National Press Club was accustomed to hearing speeches from diplomats, top administration officials, and key opinion makers on the top issues of the day, and some members of the press club had privately joked that with “Mister Rogers” on the podium, they were no doubt in for a “light lunch.”

However, according to the reporter, when Fred Rogers stood up to speak, he said that he knew that the room was filled with many of the best reporters in the nation – men and women who had achieved much. Rogers then took out his pocket watch and announced that he was going to keep two minutes of silence, and he invited everybody in the room to remember people in their past – parents, teachers, coaches, friends, and others – who had made it possible for them to accomplish so much.

And then, Mr. Rogers took out his pocket watch, and stood there and said nothing. The room grew quiet as the seconds ticked away, but the reporter said that before Fred Rogers tucked away his watch, one could hear all around the room people sniffling as they were moved by memories of those who had made sacrifices on their behalf and who had given them many gifts of time and wisdom.

Likewise, if those of us who find meaning and comfort in the Christian faith that we have were to take two minutes to reflect on how our faith came to be – few of us would say that we got it from a book, and none of us would say that we thought it up on our own. Quickly or gradually, we would begin to remember people who treated us with kindness and goodness – who spoke to us and lived before us – the faith that sustains us. We heard and saw and we believed – slowly or suddenly – in a moment of stillness or in a thunderstorm of passion – we believed. The faith that we have, whether large or small – whether born of struggle or comfort – whether richly textured or barely patched together – is a part of our lives because somebody along the way had the courage and the conviction to talk about – or through their goodness in living – spoke to us about God and Jesus Christ.

From “Testimony: Talking Ourselves into Being Christian” by Thomas G. Long

Submitted by Rev. Bob Wright