In my years of teaching at Seattle Pacific University many fine speakers have visited our campus. But I can recall only two who prompted a large and fervent student turnout. One was Phil Yancey. The other was Donald Miller, author of “Blue Like Jazz.”

Though I have not yet read the book (I know, shame on me), I did watch the movie version the other night. I have to admit I was underwhelmed — by the movie, not the story, which director Steve Taylor says is loosely based on the book. Good intentions and honest effort are abundant in the film, but if you want to see what a movie looks (and sounds) like when you have a budget of “just” $1.2 million, then “Blue Like Jazz” could be Exhibit A.

Though I was ready to walk away after the first 10 minutes, I decided to stick it out. I’m glad I did.

The pivotal scene at the end of the film is an encounter in the “confessional” booth at Reed College in Portland, where the film’s version of Miller went to school in an effort to escape the contradictions of his family and church. In that scene, also the centerpiece of the film’s trailer, Miller turns the tables and confesses/acknowledges to another student all the failings of Christians — and by extension, himself — and asks for forgiveness.

It is an intimate moment, and it works better than much of the film because of its quiet honesty. Thinking back to when Miller visited SPU, I remember less of what he said than how students responded to him. They saw in him someone who was willing to be honest about all the hurt and brokenness that young people see in plain view within the household of faith, but is often never acknowledged by their pastors, parents and congregations.

It made me think for a moment — how do our children see us?

On one level, any of us who are parents know that our children see all our strengths and all our flaws — we are together too much for them to see us otherwise.

But beyond our households, how do our children and youth see Calvin? “Blue Like Jazz” pushed that question to the forefront for me because we are in this time of discernment. We are listening, waiting, praying for God’s guidance in so many ways — for vision as a church, for wisdom about our place in the Presbyterian Church, for our efforts in reconciliation and care.

As we listen, what are our children and youth seeing? What are they hearing? And do they feel heard themselves?

We don’t have to be perfect for them, but I pray that they might see us striving to be honest — with ourselves and with them. If by God’s grace we can do that, then regardless of where God may lead Calvin our children might have a brighter view of the church than the image that so many react against in “Blue Like Jazz.” And that would be a gift from God.