The Peak of Inspiration

A tribute to a man who was… just that.  Galen Degani 1948 – 2023.  You were a faithful servant.  May you rest, in peace. 

There is a group of men, older men, that reside in my mind.  They occupy a special place, a room of sorts.  They have a few things in common.  They have all earned my respect.  They have all taught me something.  I have, to a greater or lesser extent, been their student. 

These men could be divided into two groups.  Those that are still with us and those that have crossed the boundary between the here and now to the hereafter.  This last week, another one made the crossing.  That fact doesn’t diminish the impact he has on my life.  Not even a little.  Rather, it increases the import of his testimony and the many values that he, and others of the old school, have lived out.

It is easy to miss many of the lessons that can be learned from this group of men.  You must want to learn.  You will need to watch the way they walk, the places they go, and the time they spend there.  You might need to ask questions.   You might need to do things you’ve never done before.  You will absolutely need to trust.  Trust that the lessons, the things that they would teach you, have been tested.  Tested by time and approved for use in the old school. 

I have not learned all I should.  Maybe, if I am allowed a bit more time, I will learn a few things yet.  But I would like to think that I have learned a little.  Perhaps, with practice, I can perfect those few skills I have accumulated and maybe, just maybe, I can pass them on to others. Students of the next generation.  That, I think, is a lofty and worthy goal. 

I have learned that there is good pain and bad pain.  Good pain comes from having loved others.  I’ve learned that it is unavoidable, and not to be feared.  Bad pain comes from selfishness and poor choices.  But, as uncomfortable and unnecessary as it may seem, it can, if we let it, change us.  Pain is a teacher at home in the old school.  Show me an old school student, I will show you someone completely familiar with pain’s unwelcome studies.

I have learned that acceptance and patience is possible.  That things, bad things, can be endured with grace.  I have watched men, once strong, quietly wait for their end.  And while their voices were quiet, their example was shouting at me to listen, and learn.  The new school, the society of modern thought, will say that’s not the way to go.  You should fight, and fundraise, and complain, and medicate.  Not sure I agree. 

The old school will teach you that words, like the rain, will soak the heart when softly spoken. And a life, quietly lived, can make a difference.

My heroes have taught me that it is diligence and discipline, and not speed, that will get you there on time.  And that if you want to, you can.  They have taught me that my choice today will affect you tomorrow.  I should consider that.   

I have been taught that just because I have credit, doesn’t mean I should use it.  That “paid for” is better than “paid with…”.   I’ve learned that a lot of sweat and a little blood can solve a lot of problems.  That no amount of money can hold a candle to the satisfaction of a job done right.  These men have taught me to pull my share of the load, but also, when the load is bigger than me, that help is available.  I may need to ask for it.  That’s ok. 

Old is ok.  Poor is ok.  It’s ok to cry.  Sacrifice yourself for the ones you love.  Tell the truth, no excuses.  Listen to both sides.  Be supportive.  Show appreciation.  Grant confidence.  All are mottos that adorn the hallways at the old school.

They will continue to teach.  I hope I continue to learn.  Maybe, by some miracle of grace, those lessons can be lived out by me, and those that follow can find the good path.  And, by some divine power, the old school will stand, and the principles and truths that have given strength to its structure will remain in place. 

So, I leave you with this.  Time is of the essence.  Listen and learn.  These men, these teachers, are leaving us.  There may not be many left.  Listen to what they say.  Watch what they do.

…and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. Jeremiah 6:16