Today we honor the men who hold the highest office in our land, our Presidents. I’ve been recording “The Presidents“, a multiple-episode biopic of the American Presidents. I’ve only been able to watch a few minutes of one episode, but so far I’m captivated. I’ve always had this fascination with certain mythical, larger than life figures. (As a child, I was obsessed with Moses; I had my parents read me his story every night before bed. One year, I even dressed up as Moses for Halloween. I wore my bathrobe, some sandals, and I carried my Dad’s huge walking stick as I roamed through my neighborhood. I rang one doorbell and, instead of saying “Trick or treat”, I said, “Let my people go!” My unchurched neighbor didn’t get my joke. But I digress.)

Anyway, I’m simply fascinated by these men. Well, most of them. To tell you the truth, I couldn’t tell you one thing about the Millard Fillmore administration. In 5th grade, we were each assigned an American President and we had to write a 3 page paper on his administration. Like every other kid, I really, really wanted Abraham Lincoln. Instead, I got Franklin Pierce. If it weren’t for that report, I probably wouldn’t even know Franklin Pierce was one of our Presidents. Sounds like a law firm. Or a railroad company.

I’ve always been fascinated with Lincoln’s life. There’s always that aura of intrigue connected with the Presidency, but even more so with Lincoln. A recent survey of historians ranked Lincoln as our greatest President based on a variety of leadership qualities ranging from public persuasion and economic management to international relations and moral authority. Not surprisingly, George Washington ranked #2. (Poor Franklin Pierce ranked #40, ahead of only James Buchanan and Andrew Johnson. But the piece noted that Pierce was a “doughface”, a Northerner with Southern sympathies. Where was that little bit of info 22 years ago? A comment like “doughface President” would’ve been perfect for that 5th grade paper!)

Anyway, today is President’s Day. I’m thankful for each of these men (some maybe more than others) and what they’ve meant to our nation. I’m also reminded of the biblical injunction for us to pray for our government officials. (For more information about the Presidential Prayer Team, click here.) Today I’m offering a prayer of thanksgiving for the men who have presided in the Oval Office and their commitment and devotion to the ideals of this great nation. And I’m praying for success for our current President, President Obama, that he will someday be remembered for guiding us through this difficult and uncertain times.

Happy President’s Day.