2006 Who is this Man? Day Four

When Mr. X was young – his life was less than ideal. He made some poor choices of his own and then the adults around him didn’t all choose the best paths at times. He worked his way through engineering school and found his wonderful bride – Mrs. X. To a certain extent their life is one of having little and then having much. They have each other; they have great kids; they have about as much security as this world can offer; they have health; they have Church; they have friends and they have God.

It is interesting to me that most people don’t know that Mr. X has been well supplied by the Father. He is very humble as is his wife and family. It is interesting to me that most people don’t know that they really didn’t have much of anything to start with. He is very humble even when telling of the challenges they overcame. It is interesting to me that most people don’t know how smart this man is. He is humble there as well.

Mr. X and Mrs. X worked together and earned their way in life – not just in money but in family and spirituality and love. They are committed to each other. They are committed to family. They are committed to God.

Mrs. X will tell you many stories and, boy, can his long time friends tell you a few. Mr. X. just blushes and laughs. Sure, he is embarrassed at some of his behavior before he served God soundly but it is admirable that he can laugh at himself. He has made his share of leadership mistakes but will share them to save you. He is prudent and fair, though at times, his kids would say a bit pressing. Mrs. X has always been the perfect balance. I have never seen a man love his children more.

Mr. X has a fault or two and certainly he will continue to grow with His Father. Sometimes he is almost too worried about being humble and wonders about how people think about what God has blessed him with – which is silly because he is such a good steward. He has shared God’s blessings with so many for so long so consistently. He is one of my favorite teachers - of all times.

Mr. and Mrs. X have been here almost 20 years now. They have been here from the first day that the congregation of Northwest ever met, through every tough time, some days when they didn’t want to come, through every joyous moment, every departure, every new friend and all of the building and growing. They are lifers who have stayed the course. They have never left God’s call.

I have learned enough from Mr. X to fill a book but his life message of consistency, loyalty to God’s call, selflessness even when his needs were not getting met, vision of what the church will be in another day, and desire to leave a legacy for another generation in this community stand out. Would it be that I would be a leader like this?

Mr. X has been here behind me, beside me, in front of me and praying over me for every day of the last fifteen years –it has been fifteen years, I think to the very day. Funny thing is that Bill doesn’t even think of himself as a leader most of the times. Maybe that is the secret to his humility and his true friendship.