Jimmy Carter, former President of the United States died this week. 
Because of the extensive media coverage, we all had a chance to look once more at the life, legacy and history of this remarkable man. In my never-ending search for role models, former President Carter is certainly high on the list. A leader. A devoted husband. A loving father. A man of character and conviction. Someone who left the world a better place. The recounting of his life’s journey should be a timely reminder of how we can and should live our lives with respect for and in service to others.
Following His Footsteps
What have I learned from his story?
We are often told that those who do not understand history are bound to repeat it. Such advice is offered to help us avoid making the same mistakes again. I believe that President Carter knew he made some mistakes in his life and he would encourage us to take note and learn from his actions.
At the same time, Mark Twain purportedly said that history does not repeat itself, but it does often rhyme. As we revisit the path of Mr. Carter’s life, and measure the way he walked; we should not try to repeat his course, but we would be wise to endeavor to make our steps rhyme with his.
I am old enough to remember his Presidency. Like all of us, he had his good days and not so good days. He tried and failed. He tried and succeeded. He always had the courage to persevere. He lived a life – personally and professionally – founded on his faith
He ran for President in 1976. In that election support of a candidate and future President did not focus so much on the character or morals of the person. There was little doubt about whether, if elected, either candidate would uphold the Constitution and do what was best for the country. In the wake of Watergate, both Mr. Carter and Mr. Ford qualified. Following their examples, spirited debates among voters rarely turned into discourteous arguments or personal attacks. I supported his opponent, President Gerald Ford. But, when Mr. Carter was elected, along with most Americans I accepted and supported his presidency. Today, almost fifty years later – viewing the work of his lifetime – I ask myself how I might follow in his footsteps.
Peacemaker
As President, in fact, he did lead us in a way he believed was best for the country and our citizens. He upheld the Constitution, as we say, to the best of his ability. He struggled with some aspects of his job and he lost his bid for re-election. But, he was a champion of human rights. And he facilitated one of the most monumental and enduring peace agreements in our generation between Israel and Egypt. Of all his attributes, the one I focus on most was his ability to resolve conflict and preserve the peace.
For As Long As I Can
He carried his purpose into his “retirement” for over forty years. In his work as a private citizen and volunteer, we found his greatest contributions to humanity. He continued to work to protect human rights for people around the world. He helped maintain democracies. He helped eliminate disease. He helped build homes for the homeless. He resolved conflicts and facilitated peace. For that work he was recognized with the Nobel Peace prize. In a personal statement, he once said, “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something. I’m free to choose that something … my faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I can, whenever I can, for as long as I can.” The length and breadth of Mr. Carter’s service to others are simply unrivaled.
Rhyming the Entire Story
My dream is that, in the end, none of us will be measured solely by our best day or by our worst, but rather by the entirety of our time on earth. Perhaps that is the most important lesson I learned from President Carter.
Perhaps that is what we should hope for as fathers. That we live our entire 
lives as role models of integrity, compassion, courage, and service to others. That our children will understand and learn from our mistakes. And they will see the virtues and value in our stories and desire to make their stories rhyme with ours.
