Striving for Last Place
Elizabeth Alexandra Mary Windsor. Stephen Girard Siller. Todd Morgan Beamer.
A queen. A firefighter. A businessman.
The queen died peacefully at the age of 96, surrounded by family.
The firefighter was 34 when he was killed responding to the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
On that same day, the businessman perished when he and his fellow passengers fought back against terrorists who had hijacked United Airlines Flight 93. He was 32.
Three very different lives: one full, two abbreviated.
For 70 years, Elizabeth Alexandra Mary ruled as “Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God Queen of this Realm and of Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth, Defender of the Faith.” She lived her life as the most public of figures.
Stephen and Todd became well known only after their deaths.
But each finished last.
Last in their own hearts.
In a time when we devote countless hours to self-improvement, pride wearing a modern disguise, these three people practiced self-sacrifice. Stephen and Todd gave up their very lives: rushing toward the inferno, charging the guarded cockpit.
Queen Elizabeth II did not have a single shining moment of heroism. Instead, it is said that she gave herself completely to her country, fulfilling her duties as queen day after day, year after year, decade after decade. Like so many others—the kindergarten teacher, the factory worker, the accountant, the custodian—her victory consisted of showing up and doing her best, disregarding the demands of her own ego.
I believe the source of the Queen’s strength is revealed in her Christmas 1952 address to her kingdom:
At my Coronation next June, I shall dedicate myself anew to your service. I shall do so in the presence of a great congregation, drawn from every part of the Commonwealth and Empire, while millions outside Westminster Abbey will hear the promises and the prayers being offered up within its walls, and see much of the ancient ceremony in which Kings and Queens before me have taken part through century upon century.
You will be keeping it as a holiday; but I want to ask you all, whatever your religion may be, to pray for me on that day - to pray that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.
When Jesus reads my heart, I want Him to find a soaring story of selflessness. But too often I know He uncovers a film noir script, in which every conniving character is played by me. Always, always, me.
I’m sorry, Jesus. Get me out of the way. More You. Less me.
As Samuel responded when You came to him, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 (NIV)
Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, Colleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France
”Any definition of a successful life must include service to others.” George H. W. Bush
