More than Happenstance

I often wonder about colliding circumstance.  You know, the age-old question of whether the universe is simply random to the wind or if we somehow attract meaningful coincidence to us because of something even bigger?  Are things really a matter of fate or is life little more than the result of decisions made of our own free will?  With mostly whispers as answer, these are big questions for sure.  I don't have much insight to offer, but I do have this...


Two days ago the U.S Postal Service delivered a big fat envelope telling us that the bank deemed us worthy enough for them to lend us money - a lot of it - to buy a little place at the Lake.  There were lots of places to “please sign here," which I gleefully did.  It would be dishonest, however, if I didn't also mention my slight trepidation and fear in thinking, "What exactly have I gotten us into?"  Then yesterday, a recently debuted PBS documentary about Chautauqua became available for instant viewing on Netflicks.  You get exactly one guess of how I spent 53 minutes of my Wednesday afternoon!  Was it just coincidence that these two things converged one on top of another or was the universe offering me something deeper?


Sure, one could describe Chautauqua: An American Narrative as mostly a marketing blitz to boost attendance and therefore, Chautauqua’s revenue stream.  The cynic in me sees this clear as day.  It also was clear that the current PC world had a loud voice as well.  For while Chautauqua is wildly diverse in its ideas and is undoubtedly welcoming to all, I saw more faces of color in this one hour show than I have in a lifetime of summers spent there.  As a life-long Chautauquan prone to sharing an opinion or two in all things, I had to quibble with a somewhat limited view of what defines diversity.  To me, color is but one aspect, but that's an entirely different post.  Nonetheless, I had a few other quibbles as well.


First of all, beyond the inordinate amount of time spent with the Chautauqua Theater Company comparatively, is it wrong that I found Ethan McSweeney's use of the word “campus” off-putting?  Admittedly, I don’t even like when someone uses the word institute over Institution when talking about Chautauqua, and perhaps my vernacular snobbery need be put on notice. But even if the grounds might loosely fit the definition of a campus, it simply isn’t done.  Second, when referring to the range of housing options on the grounds, was it just me or did the guy carrying a stack of books and pulling a wagon look like he was searching for a place right then and there? All in all, however, this mid-winter opportunity to walk around the grounds on a beautiful summer day was a tonic of pure bliss for me. Sure, call it kool-aid because I drank it.

Aptly described by a visiting pastor as “...a mother’s love, a professor’s discipline and a pastor’s passion all rolled together,” Chautauqua is an experience as much as it is a place.  As far as documentaries go, it’s understandable that PBS mostly focused on the unique history and the daily programming of the place.  After all, it’s an incredibly ambitious nine-week marathon that has existed for the past 137 years! But Chautauqua is much more than its historical relevance or its present day programming.


Being a fifth generation Chautauquan, I spent the majority of my youthful summer days at Girls and Boys Club.  I'd jump on my bike just as the Bell Tower began chiming at 9am and land squarely on the benches of Girls Club just in time to sing its anthem by the ninth bell.  Friends made there are life-long friends, many of whom are still there today.  Our children have done the same, much like our parents and grandparents did before us. That PBS gave "club" only a passing glance was disappointing.  And what about the Bell Tower?  Beyond the very opening scene, where was it?  While undeniably a lovely backdrop to any view,  its chorus is the essence in understanding the rhythm of the place.  It tells you when to get up (8am), return home for lunch (noon) and when its time for dinner (6pm).  It calls you to morning lecture, church on Sundays and evening performances in the Amphitheater.  And when I was younger than I am now by far, its supersonic boom on the hour let me know if I was going to make it home for curfew or, as was too often the case, not.


Some will say that it’s the intangibles of the place that leave it impossible for anyone to capture, even in being there.  And I admit that perhaps some of what PBS missed were the intangibles central to my own experience.  While not giving more attention to life lived on the lake, some might conclude it missed the boat (literally), or that by not offering so much as a glimpse of the bowling green in action was an opportunity lost.  But putting all of Chautauqua into a context the masses will understand has never been for the faint of heart.  Added to this is that for many of us the complexity of Chautauqua also includes a layering of family tradition that colors everything else, leaving it indescribable.


I admit to not having answers to some of life's big questions. But I do know that any fear I had in signing away my kids' potential inheritance has been replaced with the belief I am giving them and their (someday) children something far more valuable.  Our family house there will forever hold a large piece of my heart, but come Tuesday, March 1, THIS will become our new home!! 

New Digs - (second floor)

How happy am I?  Ecstatic barely covers it.