WE WERE THERE FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION!

His purpose was for the nations to seek after God and perhaps feel their way toward him

and find him—though he is not far from any one of us.
Acts 17:27

In my tote bag that seems to go wherever I travel that is work related are a number of heavy items, planners, calendars, makeup bag, snacks and several bills (don’t ask)! Tucked into my coverless planner are a few commemorative items from Inauguration weekend. One of the items is the pamphlet entitled “COMMEMORATIVE GUIDE TO: Riding Metro during the Presidential Inauguration Weekend.” I fondly refer to that item and my worn out metro-rail pass with President Obama’s face and inauguration date often. It’s a beautiful reminder that I was in Washington, D.C. Also, it humbles me because I really wanted to celebrate in doors at a brunch with friends and family music and great food. You know the menu: cheddar cheese baked grits, scrambled eggs, turkey sausage, mimosa, fruit salad and danish of couse, yes the whole nine yards. Instead I had eaten a donut and taken my vitamins with a glass of water and off we were into the frigid weather. So I cherish those mementos for many reasons.

That entire day was a reality check. The crowds, the occasion, the journey, the mission and its significance. But honestly I grumbled because I just didn’t want the experience- this awe inspiring day in that way. Heavy coat, hat, boots, leggings, scarfs etc. I would be totally misrepresenting my “sainthood” if I told you that I wanted to be out in the Antarctic air. I even said, “Hey I hear they are inviting people into the Capitol and we can visit our Representatives' Office.” That fell on deaf ears-no takers! My husband retorted”Oh yeah, I bet.”
My husband more than me seemed to have had it all mapped out mentally on how we would get eventually to the National Mall for the inauguration festivities. I gladly reminded him that many of the metro stations that traditionally lead to the National Mall had been cordoned off for security reasons. We rose very early in the morning followed my cousin Camille into Washington, D.C. to park our car at Aunt Juanita’s (I felt that was smart)and then from there we caught the metro rail to get in the vacinity of the mall. Sounds simple enough I know. The metro ride was packed, you could feel the energy of those anticipating a memorable occasion. I smiled but really wondered what awaited us. The police officers along our walking route pointed us in the direction we should travel. When I say I have no idea how many blocks or miles we journeyed, I am not kidding. We even walked through a tunnel, singing, and shouting with the crowd “Obama!” Prior to the tunnel trek we came to an abrupt halt, there were a sea of people everywhere not being allowed to proceed. And suddenly the crowd moved and I was separated for a split second from my folks-that didn't feel too assuring.

I kept thinking I need to be at Crampton Auditorium at Howard University indoors, possibly other Alum might be present. At any rate my friends we were able to bypass the shoulder to shoulder barricades, we walked many more miles, and even witnessed two elderly women making their way through the crowds, young people carrying-waving flags, vendors with gobs of paraphernalia, and streams of folks moving about, just moving.

A tour guide stood in the middle of the street, clapping for us and encouraging us as though we were in a marathon, “You’re almost there, straight ahead”! I laughed and said, “Yeah that’s what we were told back there.”

We both laughed but I really was sincere.

When we finally arrived near the Washington Monument there lines wrapped around the structure, families running and playing with there children, while people were drawing closer to the massive screens celebrating, cheering, smiling, taking photos and hugging. It was an atmosphere of exuberance, harmony, and love. I felt better, warmer if that were possible. God would have it that there stood a lone tree near the jumbo-trone that we’d remain anchored to. My husband leaned on the tree and I leaned on him and witnessed history in the making! We drank our hot chocolate and chatted with the folks around us. This was remarkable people from all around the world. One woman commented that her husband was grumpy, my husband shared that I had been the same. After the swearing in ceremony we headed to Howard University-our metro stop was the Shaw/Howard University stop.When I was a student there was no metro, we then began a serious sojourn up the hill.

It was a day of many firsts. I am so glad that I can say, “We were there!” Yes my feet were icesicles, but my heart was bursting with joy. My camera wouldn’t cooperate, but thank God for Ricky and Taylor’s cell phone cameras. Also I’ve included photos from Essence Magazine’s Obama watch -some of which we witnessed on the jumbo-trone and at Howard University.

Thank you Jesus for all the stellar photographers and more importantly for an extraordinary day witnessing President-elect Barak Obama becoming our 44th US President Barak Obama. Aretha really sang didn't she!

One final note about this life’s lesson is that when we sulk our way through a moment, an occasion where we ought to be celebrating from start to finish we’re depriving ourselves of some real joy and probably making our loved ones unhappy, not to mention ourselves. Notice I didn't use the word miserable? I realize that's not our intention, but it does happen!) I see it now, but I can only glance at the mementos and photos and wished I had not been so absorbed with my celebrating in the manner I had hoped for. This is an occasion I can not relive.

Next time I promise, I’ll know better. In the meantime I’ll find my Inauguration Button and show it off and gladly share with any one that questions it's origin and announce, “Yep I was there for the presidential inauguration!” In my spirit I'll know I almost missed out and had it not been for my husband's vision I would have not witnessed this day firsthand.

Maybe I’ll see you during one of the White House tours and greet our First Family with pride, wearing my button of course.

Adventure, yes indeed, possibly the many trails and the countless steps needed to arrive at the destination all count for our good! I am sure President Obama and First Lady Michelle would agree!

‘May the Lord bless you and protect you.May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you.May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’
Numbers 6:24-26

We're In His Hands!

Peace & Love,

Linda Mose Meadows, Author
The Blessedness of Believing
A Devotional Journey of Life's Lessons and God's Promises
http://blessednessofbelieving.blogspot.com/