Brenda’s Blog – November 5, 2024
“These four Presidents represent four major themes in American life” – National Park Service
In the Black Hills of South Dakota an astounding sculpture rises from Mount Rushmore. For nearly 25 years a sculptor worked with a team of specialists, applied technology, and tried to avoid political storms to leave us the largest carving of its type in the United States.
He chose four Presidents: Washington, whose military leadership gave the colonies victory and was the father of the country; Jefferson for his vision in writing the Declaration of Independence and negotiating the Louisiana thus growing this country; Theodore Roosevelt as a Rough Rider, “Trust Buster,” and advocate for environmental health and responsible for the development of the country; finally, Abraham Lincoln for his term of office which focused on the preservation of the United States.
Founding, growing, developing, and preserving – these are the four representations on Mount Rushmore.
As I quietly stood on a clear blue September morning I was moved by the majesty of the mountain. The reality of its significance kept me absolutely still.
Then I began thinking: “What would represent the key eras in my life? What would be the monumental moments during my 80 years? Who would be carved into the mountain of my life?
My Dad determined 8 characteristics he wanted in his life, and identified eight men who reflected a specific virtue. He then wrote them, asking for an 8×10 “head shot.” He framed them all, hung them on his office wall. At the top of the portraits he hung a portrait of Jesus, and a mirror on the bottom.
I look back through the years recognizing teachers, women church mentors, business associates, and loving friends who have spoken into my life at crucial turning points. And of course, at the top of the list would be Mom and Dad, my siblings, and my children.
How about stopping for a cup of coffee (or in my case, tea) and picking up your imaginary sculptor’s tools to carve out your own Mount of Remembrance?