The Inauguration

I have watched a number of presidential inaugurations in my short lifetime. The first president I remember is Eisenhower, but the first inauguration I remember, contrary to my children's humor, was not Lincoln's but Kennedy's. There was so much excitement about children in the White House and Jackie's prowess as an interior decorator. Perhaps it was my age that made that inauguration seem so exciting. Perhaps the whole country was in a place of expectancy.



I watched the inaugurations of Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush with no less emotion, holding back those inevitable tears that sting the edges of my eyes when I am filled with pride in my country despite its issues, honored that we still function with civility and some modicum of integrity. This year was no different. I watched the stuff of history being forged with intentionality and positioning, with nods to those cultural institutions that have survived and thrived on the ravages of time.



Barack will be the 11th president under whose leadership I will have lived. As inaugurations go, this one was simple and elegant with thoughtful touches. I am sure the planners and designers worked long hours to make sure every detail would go smoothly. It just doesn't take all that long to promise to support the Constitution of the United States with words, but it takes a lifetime to support it in deeds.



Hope runs high among my friends and colleagues. Much prayer is offered for his success. May the coming days bring solutions to the problems, unity to the divided, and peace to the weary.