I am such a good writer

I met Madeline Albright the other night.

I figured if I ever had an opening that was it.  But it is true.  We had a brief conversation, outside her greenroom, the evening of her lecture at Georgetown University.  She was a kind woman, short in stature but strong in will and demeanor.  She seemed to like me.  I made her smile.

Deep-down, I think Madeline is just like everyone else: she thinks I am adorable.  Oh don’t worry—I am very humble about it.  In fact, I only say this out loud because everyone else does.  I hear it all the time; sweet words– “Man, Kent, you are ridiculously cool.  How can I be more like you?”

Well, to be completely honest, that is not fully true.  Everyone doesn’t say those exact words…  sometimes there is a slight variation.

Usually it is the word “man.”  Depending on their vernacular and diction they might say “I have heard it said,” or “It is true,” and even at times “Sweet Jesus!”  But please don’t worry, each phrase is equally acceptable and correct.

 But here I go again, rambling and loosing focus; I’m such a silly-goose,–don’t you think?  Oh right, let’s refocus–the question at hand is “how can you be more like me?”

Wow, that is deep.  Kind of like me.  Did you know that I like to write short stories and poetry?  It’s okay if you didn’t.  I don’t tell many people.  To be honest, I don’t like to talk about my accomplishments.  You know, the really impressive stuff, like owning my own internet company, being a former all-state athlete or being an under-graduate fellow. 

So how can you be more like me?  Well, I think the honest answer is that you cannot.  Sure, you are a really good person.  But how can you compare to me?   

…

I am learning that I don’t want to be me.  My ego is currently bigger than my body. 

I believe I got to this point by comparing myself to other people.  I am not proud of this statement. In fact, I admit it very reluctantly.  To be completely honest, admitting weakness is one of my biggest faults.  I would say that this is true for all of us.  But then I would only be comparing myself once again. 

I am slowly starting to admit weakness.  Today, it is only a whisper but I hear an echo of truth. 

Oddly enough, I believe the only way out of this pitfall is to continue comparing myself.  But rather than compare myself to you—I am going to find someone better. 

I’ve decide that I am going to refocus on Christ.  I haven’t done this in a while.  I want to look at Jesus again, admit that I still struggle and announce that I too am a sinner.

I figure through this lens my accomplishments won’t amount to very much.  I haven’t said I need God in a very long time.  But I do.  I really, really do.

 …

So let’s stop comparing.  It makes no sense to debate our strengths.  All we are doing is creating division.  Rather, let’s admit our weaknesses.  That is where we unite.  We are all sinners; let us share in the bond of Grace.

Shall you be less like me and more like Christ.

-Peace be with you-
Kent