...and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? Esther 4:14
For those who haven’t heard the news, the sitting president for old Alma Mater is retiring next year. Accordingly, those charged with our sacred trust have been diligently working to find the next appointed leader. After six months of effort and prayer, the two public finalists for the post were announced this week.
So, is it but a two horse race? The answer to that question would be yes, and no. You see, at the starting gate, there were a litany of those contending for the prize. Today, several furlongs into the event, two have turned alone onto the backstretch.
But, is securing the job the true prize, or is it the goal to help our University continue to pursue it’s mission with even greater success? And, are the true winners those who are running, or is it those in the grandstand watching, and the trainers, and other constituents of the race?
Without a doubt, two thoroughbreds of the executive realm remain in the running. Each is the insider’s outside candidate. Both cut their teeth in the legal arena, with a plethora of business and academic realm experience following. But, ultimately, only one can be chosen, and in many ways that is a shame. Nevertheless, without a doubt they both will give it their best.
Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25
In closing this equestrian analogy, I’m reminded of a Dan Fogelberg tune from back in my days as a student at old Alma Mater, and it seems to fit the moment.
It’s breeding and it’s training
And it’s something unknown
That drives you and carries
You home.
And it’s run for the roses
As fast as you can
Your fate is delivered
Your moment’s at hand
It’s the chance of a lifetime
In a lifetime of chance
And it’s high time you joined
In the dance
It’s high time you joined
In the dance –
The real question is, where do we wager on these two? Perhaps I should contact the faculty member whose license plates say “Bet here” (or maybe it was “Be there” – can’t recall exactly at the moment).