I have to admit to loving some of the pictures I took at Mount Vernon, last week. Gazing upon them evokes the fond memories that I have for our first president and his demeanor. The mansion he inherited, enlarged, and enhanced has a unique effect upon a person - me - when he encounters it alone.
While I was, at most times, with others (Eighteen other teachers, along with occasional interns scholars, and other leaders), straying to the side or around a corner allowed me to capture some angles and views that the general public will never see. There are no tourists in these photos, no maintenance workers or vehicles. As I am fond of saying, it was just me and George! Such gives opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer before rejoining our group for fellowship and collaboration.
While I was, at most times, with others (Eighteen other teachers, along with occasional interns scholars, and other leaders), straying to the side or around a corner allowed me to capture some angles and views that the general public will never see. There are no tourists in these photos, no maintenance workers or vehicles. As I am fond of saying, it was just me and George! Such gives opportunity for reflection, meditation, and prayer before rejoining our group for fellowship and collaboration.
This place makes me feel small and large at the same time. At first, a visitor is dwarfed by the sheer enormity of the house and the out buildings that surround it. One must wonder at the importance of this land upon which our first commander-in-chief strode. Here is where he did his own designing and meditation. Here is where he took leave of command and tended to responsibilities to family. Here is where he conducted experiments with the land, pioneering farming methods that are still in use today. Here is where George Washington rested and considered his place in the world - perhaps where he, too, was humbled by the majestic views and natural creation.
But very soon, the same visitor becomes a giant. A closer look at the wood and soil reveals the weathering and rot that constantly destroys that which is temporary. There is a persistent effort here to restore every item to its 1799 state - that moment at which Washington breathed his last. It is not a simple task. Restoration crews must study deeply the materials and methods used to build Mount Vernon. Only after study do the painters, carpenters, blacksmiths, and many others go to work. Such makes one realize that, as incredible as this man was, he, too, was mortal. His body rests in a brick tomb just a short walk away from the mansion itself. To put it bluntly, George Washington, and every single person who encountered him, is dead. And I am not. That only means that, in the present day, I have more power and control than he has. I have the ability to change the world around me. While I respect the man's tremendous influence on our world, and while I can't help but envy his ability to lead, it is my turn.
But very soon, the same visitor becomes a giant. A closer look at the wood and soil reveals the weathering and rot that constantly destroys that which is temporary. There is a persistent effort here to restore every item to its 1799 state - that moment at which Washington breathed his last. It is not a simple task. Restoration crews must study deeply the materials and methods used to build Mount Vernon. Only after study do the painters, carpenters, blacksmiths, and many others go to work. Such makes one realize that, as incredible as this man was, he, too, was mortal. His body rests in a brick tomb just a short walk away from the mansion itself. To put it bluntly, George Washington, and every single person who encountered him, is dead. And I am not. That only means that, in the present day, I have more power and control than he has. I have the ability to change the world around me. While I respect the man's tremendous influence on our world, and while I can't help but envy his ability to lead, it is my turn.
