Five Guys

There is a hamburger joint in Cleveland, Ohio called “Five Guys” where people stand in a long line to purchase the delectable cuisine they serve. We tried to eat there the other day but decided the line was just too long and we were too hungry. We opted for something else.

For fifty five years and one week to the day, I knew a man whose impact upon my life has changed me forever. I actually knew him before I even entered this world. He had a major part in my being here today. He taught me many things…some by words and advice…mostly by demonstration. He was a simple man, never puffed up or phony…always the same no matter who he was around. He was a “Diamond in the Rough”. He never had material wealth because he was born “good lookin’ instead of rich”! He was never famous, but his legacy is immeasurable. He gave new meaning to the word “funny” but his humor was never at the expense of anyone but himself. His work ethic was the norm for those dubbed “The Greatest Generation”. His faith, fervent. His love, deep. His life, too short. We buried him yesterday. He was my Dad.

Forty one years ago I met a guy who was the neighbor of a friend. He was really cute! He would come to some of the teen events at my church occasionally. He went with us to an amusement park one summer and we held hands in the fun house! We dated…we broke up…he went his way…I went mine. Our paths coincidentally crossed again thirty six years ago. I married him. He is still THE one who…loves me unconditionally… makes me laugh...shares my joys and sorrows…teaches me life lessons by his profound example…is wise beyond his years…a deep thinker…analyzer…discerner…generous to a fault…caring father…solid example…my lover…my best friend…my pastor…my husband.

When this great guy and I got together, I “inherited” another guy who has been amazingly influential in my life, rarely by words…always by example. He is a Gentle Giant. A World War II veteran with that “Greatest Generation” work ethic...loyal… quiet…strong…simply educated…incredibly wise…deeply spiritual. My Father-in-Law.

Then there’s this young man in whose life I have extreme personal interest. He never ceases to bring me joy. For 25 years I’ve been so busy influencing him I hardly noticed the role reversal. Oh, he’s probably not even aware of his effect on me. He is a combination of my other three guys. He is good lookin’, funny, solid, deeply spiritual, sensitive, passionate. He is my son.

I saved the best for last because without Him, the other four would be mere men. He is the One who endowed them with their endearing qualities. Early in my life I encountered this Man through my dear parents who made me aware of Him but never forced me into a relationship with Him. At my request, my mother personally introduced me to Him sometime before I was ten years old. He is both rich and good lookin’…His life, also, was too short…He loves deeply…makes me laugh…teaches me…He is strong…simple…sensitive… passionate…He is the essence of deeply spiritual. His name is Jesus.

My Five Guys…Daddy, Waitman, Dad, Sam, and Jesus. Can’t imagine where I’d be without them. My life is abundantly blessed because of them.