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KIDS OF CHARACTER 11/10
Knowing Beyond The Seeing “One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer but one has seen. It was a critical moment at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, 1787. After months of work the delegates appeared deadlocked on the question of representation. The mission of crafting a constitution that would guide the states to become the United States was clearly in jeopardy. Throughout the months of deliberation, the oldest delegate, eighty-one year old Benjamin Franklin, had not formally spoken. Now, unexpectedly, Franklin arose and addressed the gathering saying, “Let us call upon the Father of Light.” These striking and unanticipated words changed the conversation and tone of the delegates as they stepped back from the precipice of failure, ultimately negotiating a political solution on the issue of representation of small and large states. In doing so, the door opened wide for the greatest adventure in national governance that has ever been shaped by the minds and hearts of men of Goodwill. Had Franklin seen the future? Were his words the Knowing beyond the Seeing? Franklin’s writings do not answer those questions. What we know is God stands as the source of ultimate trust in this Republic. That is a fact. We can see it on every one-dollar bill. The knowing trust in the Father of Light is woven into the fabric of American life. It helps define us. Throughout our two-hundred thirty-two year national experience, American leaders and citizens have faithfully and intentionally called upon God to navigate America’s way. Character mentors of America’s children and youth hold a special obligation and honor to communicate our nation’s legacy of trust in God. While patriotic pride has a special place in our national psyche, the spiritual foundation of the nation requires persistent, private voices of elders speaking to youngsters… in solemn settings… to convey the truth that our country is held in the Heavenly Father’s hands. In doing so, Character coaches come along side America’s youngsters to inform them that they live in a country of promise, where each has the privilege to act trusting the partnership of the Father of Light. Such conversations are about the climbing and seeing that Rene Daumal comments on in his quote. These conversations are the significant storytelling history of our people passing along the knowledge of a nation shaped in individual action under the guidance of God’s grace.
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