The West Wing

CJ was nowhere to be found, and rightly so.
We were touring the actual West Wing of the White House, no Hollywood reproduction for us.

I'm still pinching myself to believe it, but it's true.
On this surreal Sunday afternoon several friends and I were able to tour what I can only describe as a serene and respectful place- the West Wing of the White House.

I was struck by the peaceful feel of standing on the White House lawn, or rather, just next to it.
Onlookers paused on Pennsylvania Avenue and peered through the fence at us.
We marveled at being on the other side.

The Oval Office, the Rose Garden, the Press Pool, we saw it all and then some, right down to the Presidential M&Ms.

I have heard that this administration strives to restore the highest degree of dignity and integrity to the White House, the West Wing in particular.
I'd say they are succeeding royally.

Every swallow on the grounds is accounted for.
Every tree perfectly placed, the lawn neatly manicured.
The same holds true inside as well.
Dozens of fragrant roses adorn the desks and coffee tables.
Well- lit paintings tell the stories of our past.
Candid photos line the walls, capturing the moments of our present.

Nothing about our experience was unplanned or haphazard, and the intentionality put us all at ease.
There is no higher authority, no greater security than is felt walking through the halls of the West Wing of the White House, home to the leader of the free world.
We found ourselves not only delighted but unexpectedly at rest.

There is a painting in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, depicting George Washington resigning his military commission to ensure this country would be a democracy and not a dictatorship.
Great strides have been made throughout our nation's young history to promote and maintain that democracy.
All this I was born into:
A gift, at great expense to the giver.
Freedom, at the highest price.

Many things happen in Washington because of who you know.
The same can be said for our visit to the White House.
We had done nothing extraordinary to be admitted in, but we got to go because of who we knew.
Someone with the necessary authority made a way for us to enter and invited us to do so.
And we stood grateful and amazed.

Would that I could live each day like this, aware of the magnitude of the invitation, given at the highest price, from the greatest Authority.