It was a memorable afternoon at Carthage with a special Homecoming Convocation which included a rising opera star – soprano Nicole Cabell – and Rev. Elizabeth Platz, the first woman to be ordained a Lutheran pastor in America – plus superb performances by the Carthage Choir and Wind Ensemble- including a performance by the former under Weston Noble that left me with a lump in my throat. And after the convocation came a dinner buffet meal in the Hedberg Library featuring a dazzling array of wonderful food and good company.
But I am not kidding when I say that my favorite moment today did not come with any of the above musical performances or because of any of these notable visitors. My favorite moment is pictured above: when I introduced Weston Noble and Alan Anderson – two saints – to each other. It was a spontaneous thing- Kathy and I were walking with Mr. Noble, who was still basking in the warm glow of the choir’s lovely performance, when I noticed President Emeritus Alan Anderson a few feet away. For those of you who don’t know him, Alan Anderson is someone who graduated from Carthage more than half a century ago – and then went on to serve the college in several different capacities, including Acting President on at least two different occasions. A kinder, gentler, lovelier man I have never met; he is a very special person and someone I so deeply admire. And I am very humbled to say that he seems to be a fan of mine as well, always with a kind and affirming word for my music-making, my radio work, and my contributions to life at Carthage. And his compliments are the meaningful kind- where you feel like he is speaking earnestly and honestly and right from the heart. He has had several different health setbacks – including at least one broken hip – but he keeps coming back, and every time I see him at Carthage I want to throw my arms around him in a big bear hug.
So anyway, I couldn’t let the opportunity slip by to introduce President Anderson to Weston Noble – and then it was so fun to just step back and let these two wonderful gentlemen get to know one another for a couple of minutes. And as I semi-eavesdropped on the conversation, the word that kept coming to mind was Graciousness. I’m not sure exactly what that term means according to the dictionary – but for me, and especially as I think of these two men – I realize that graciousness mostly has to do with treating other people as though they really matter. “I am so honored to meet you.” “No, I’m the honored one – I am so happy to be meeting you.” And not just saying those words, but really meaning them right down to the core of their being. It was so neat to be in their presence . . . to ponder the long and interesting lives which they have both lived . . . and to be there for that beautiful moment when they first met. Two consummate gentlemen. Two great human beings. Two Saints.
And I am so richly blessed to know them both.