The Right Man

Allejandro drove as we traveled to the 40km to and from work.  The early morning, and evening conversations traversed politics, faith, history, travelogue, family, and the job we were working.  So, I don’t remember the topic at hand when he said that we needed to find the right man for the job and I responded that such men were rare.  He gave a puzzled look that lasted a few beats longer than I was comfortable with his eyes being off the road.  In my opinion; and by the way I find this phrase to be as useful Ricky Bobby did “with all due respect” because it makes whatever comes after acceptable, doesn’t it?  As I was saying; “In my opinion the adult male population has relatively few men and many swollen boys”.

A man puts others first as he protects, sacrifices, and endures for those in he serves.  He trusts God and stands on principle when reward is uncertain and opposition is inevitable.  He refuses to cave ethically, emotionally, sexually, and as regards physical discipline.  He does not pretend to perfection but is devoted to the grace that enables him to get up when he falls.  He is accountable to other men because he knows cannot trust in his judgment alone, or fight in his own strength.  He submits to his heavenly father as the source of sustenance and solace. He enjoys the adventure of walking in Jesus’ shadow.

A book I read recently summed it up well; “The basic difference between an ordinary man and a warrior is that a warrior takes everything in life as a challenge while an ordinary man takes everything as a blessing or a curse.”

On the drive back that night Allejandro said, “what you said about a ‘man’ this morning; will you write that down?”  Yes.