Enough

I graduated from college today: I am an alum of Washington & Jefferson College, and I'm armed with the diploma to prove it. I'm more than tempted to delve into a reflection of my college years or an evaluation of college education as I knew it, but choosing either of those paths would most likely lead me to writing for about an hour before giving up on the entry as being insufficient to point anyone towards rightness. Instead, I'd like to express dissatisfaction with discussing weighty issues, frustration with abusing huge words, and disgust with the lack of fighting for Truth.

Rabbi Leonard I. Beerman was invited to speak at the baccalaureate service and was awarded an honorary degree for his involvement in issues of peace and justice, and the world would be a better place with more like him. Like him in the sense that conviction leads to action. Too many families would be more than satisfied to have a cohesive discussion on the drive home about his experiences and challenges. It's not enough. I remember a few weeks back when I attended a discussion session and prayer vigil in response to the shooting at Virginia Tech. Overall the time was well-spent - I'm thankful I was able to attend - but too many students left filled with satisfaction from the meaningful discussion and passionate prayer instead of conviction about using the power vested in us in to counterbalance such evil as much as we possibly can. Pondering isn't enough, questions aren't enough, discussion isn't enough - they're only as worthwhile as they cause changed hearts and changed lives.

Admittedly overgeneralizing, the speeches during baccalaureate and commencement were self-centered reflections aimed at making people feel good. Stories about the speaker that amuse and entertain. But sprinkled through, to add just a taste of meaning, are words that stand for so much, that hold so much weight. Light, life, faith, hope, love are just awe-inspiring concepts to ponder and hear discussed. Throwing them around to add a sense of spirituality and depth to an otherwise shallow speech is equivalent to abusing and diluting the core positives of humanity. These words don't just entail what feels good in life and shouldn't simply prompt warm-fuzzies - they're meaningful, more full of meaning than probably every other word in the English language. Huge. But it isn't, it can't be enough to mention them - these words are worthy of learning about and living out at all times with all that we are.

Absent from the speeches were direct challenges or teachings. A predictable effect of a relativistic society: blatant avoidance of the discussion of Truth. Apparent speaker logic: I only have the right to know truth for myself from my experiences, so I'll use those reflections to make an entertaining speech. Does anyone want to be challenged? Does anyone have faith that Truth not only exists, but that it's knowable? Does anyone want to continue the discussion of what's right and wrong, what's wise and what's stupid, what's best and what's not, with the willingness to admit wrongs, learn from those who know better, and live according to the revealed answers? Anything less is not enough.