Thinking Through Decisions

For a few weeks now i have been slowly working through George W Bush’s Decision Points, a book of his most significant decisions made throughout his life as President. For the most part i agree with what he did as President, although, as with any leader, there were decisions with which i did not agree. But for years i watched his Presidency from a distance (that is, i didn’t keep up with it on a day to day basis), and i found myself consistently astounded by two things.

First, he is undoubtedly a man of great conviction. i find his strong moral character is hard to miss. In fact, i believe many of his critics were so critical because they found his character condemning. Even when he made decisions that were very unpopular, he did so out of a deep moral understanding that i think most people lack, and he stood strong by those decisions, including being humble enough to admit times when his decisions could have been better.

Second, i always saw President Bush as a man of incredible grace. He isn’t generally elegant, but he is overly gracious. He is kind and peaceful, and when the media and other critics raged against him, he never reviled back. He patiently endured, knowing that it isn’t people in this moment that will pass the final judgment on what is a good or bad decision.

For these reasons, i was moved to read his book. Now, i must admit that i am not quite half way through the book, but i must say even now, i am astounded at the man’s humility and wisdom. As much as i thought of him before as a man of great character and great grace, i now think of him all the more as portraying those same attributes. i do not think people in general do not realize how blessed we were as Americans to have such a great leader.

When we get to heaven, God will not judge President Bush on what he did to help our economy so much as what he did to bring people to understand God better. Granted, many of his political policies also have a moral element to them (such as economy, where a President is responsible to care for his people), but i believe that we have seen in him a greatness of character and grace that we see on a very rare basis. i recommend his book, and hope that even those who don’t agree with his decisions and conclusions will see at least great moral character and grace in his manner. Those things are far more important anyway.

Peace be with you,

Caleb

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