In so many ways were are a socitey that quits. We want instant gratification and satisfaction and we want things to be easy and if we don't get our way....we quit. It's easier than working on the hard stuff. For me, however, the satisfaction that comes from earning something is far greater than that which is just handed to me. Easier? No. But far more satisfying.
Let me tell you about someone who didn't quit.
17 years ago, my brother was doing what every other high school graduate was supposed to be doing. He visited colleges, filled out applications, experienced the disappointment of not getting into his first choice, and then experienced the fear and anxiety that comes from watching your parent drive away after helping you move into your dorm. He was 10 hours from home. No car. Only a couple of familiar faces. No real idea of what path he was on, or at least not that he revealed at the time. He did the same thing I did when I transfered to my second wrong choice of colleges. When given the chance to take the easy way out and come home, he stayed put. Even though his heart and head were both screaming 'don't leave me here.' It was a long year for Curt. A city he loved. A college he'd been excited about. Both the wrong choice. But he didn't quit.
This began a journey of college hopping, major changing, moving from house to house and roommate to roommate. It led to a long term relationship with the wrong girl. It led to heartbreak, anxiety, fear, and sadness. But he didn't quit.
I don't think Curt has never been comfortable in a classroom setting. I think he finds it's stiffling, and I can understand that. I feel that way about working 9-5 in an office. So Curt's college journey has been...well...long. I remember nights when he'd come into my room or wherever I was studying for my own finals or writing my own paper. After I watched him pace for a while, I'd finally get out of him that something was due or there was a test the next day that he wasn't perpared for. Let's just say that there have been several all night study sessions at Denny's or papers that were finished and edited in time for me to splash water on my face and get to my own class. Some problems were bigger than others, but we got thru them. And, he didn't quit.
Sure, there were disappointments. Yes, there were semesters off (for both of us). There were countless challenges and at times I'll admit that even I wondered if a college degree was really necessary or worth it. But it was his journey.
In the past 17 years, my brother has been Beckwith's more formidable 'super counselor' turned Camp Director. He's been a Youth Minister. He's traveled thru the Southwest with boys with behavioral and emotional challenges and, thru camping adventures, rock climbing, and moutain biking Moab, he helped lead them to a second chance. He's loved and taught hundreds of children and teenagers to believe in themselves. Using his God-given talents at the keyboard, he's taught children and adults to play the piano. He's started and maintained a business, even in a recession. He found the courage to approach the right girl, and ask her to a party, and then asked her to marry him. He's purchased a house. And he and Sellers have created Grayton and Henry - by far their greatest achievements yet.
Let me tell you what I see when I look at my brother. I see a man who was put on this planet to be a daddy and a husband. I see a man with more grace in his little finger than I have in my entire body. I see a man with the ability to forgive and give second and third and fourth chances, even it means his heart is broken each time. I see a man of unceasing faith. I see a man with a childlike passion for the stuff in life that is especially important: family, friends, love. I see a man that, even in our adulthood, I can laugh with at things we thought were funny when we were little, or who gets excited about a new Star Wars or Harry Potter movie. I see a man who still believes in magic - no matter what life throws at him. I see a man who works hard, and plays harder. I see a man that I am incredibly proud of, that I am inspirited by, and one that I am blessed to call my brother and best friend.
And tonight? After 17 years...
I see a college graduate.
Martin Luther King said, "The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort
and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge..."
Tonight, Curt Kennington stands victorious at the end of this part of his journey.
There's more to come, of course. But he'll do it. Because he doesn't quit.
I've been thinking of one of my favorite movies since Curt received his final grade in his final class. The movie is "With Honors", a story about life taking an unexpected path and becoming richer for it. As they graduate, a portion of the song below plays.
Curt, my brother and friend, I am so proud of you. You will truly graduate life with honor and without regret. I love you.
May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
May you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
May you stay forever young
Forever young, forever young
May you stay forever young
- Bob Dylan
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