A Man in Whom There Is No Guile

"Honey, what are you wearing tonight?"

I rounded the corner, dressed in a black turtleneck, fall print skirt, brown boots and a yellow shawl amidst the late winter chilly weather that had just blown in.

John took one look and said, "Okay, that means a t-shirt and jeans for me," in typical McEwen humor.

Tonight was John's first real exposure to my alma mater. They played a college here in San Antonio this past Saturday night. We missed the game as we were driving in from Houston, not knowing all of this was going on. But on Sunday we got word that there was going to be a gathering on Tuesday (tonight) for alumni and potential students.

Little did we know when we showed up that it was going to be a full OC entourage, complete with the President of the college as well. There were faithful who hailed from the days when I attended college. I believe there were at least four or five more representatives, including the Dean of Students. I have been out of touch with my alma mater, but after tonight, I am very happy to be reconnected. My aim going forward is to be more kind to this school that was kind to me. I remember so many professors who influenced my studies and thinking and am forever grateful.

It was a relaxing evening where we got to speak one on one with the reps, and hear a bit about the good that the college is doing these days, namely keeping costs affordable for students. The hosts were a delight as usual. Their family has been instrumental in connecting San Antonio with the college and sending many students its way.

John didn't go to a Christian college, and though his and my values are the same, our experiences have been very different. It does my heart good when I get to share a positive experience from my past and John understands and appreciates it, especially since I grew up in another country and my family came from a different part than his family did in these United States.

John is a Yankee, born and bred on the streets just outside of Boston, Massachusetts, cuttin his teeth on the culture that founded this country, some eight generations removed. They are a rowdy lot for sure with stomachs tough enough to weather swimming in the ocean and eating ice cream during the winter! But John is a man of integrity as well, a good work ethic and a nature that can laugh at anything, so much so that we've caught ourselves straightening up our act after realizing we might not be acting our age upon getting tickled, even in church.

He is a man full of the joy of life, and a man acquainted with some real sorrow. Yet, he is upbeat to be around, he steps up when asked, puts his best effort forward and knows how to relax. He is a man of great faith and humility. Jesus said of his disciple Nathaniel, "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no guile." I think of John when I read those words. John is the first to admit he has many faults, but as his wife of eighteen and a half years, I can say he is one of those persons with no guile.

What a joy then to see him milling around with former collegues and faculty, as comfortable as if he had graduated from there and "making my joy complete," if I can borrow a phrase from the apostle Paul. John has earned a well-deserved reputation among the college since he works a couple of times a year with groups coming from the college. I thought it was cute that someone at the party claimed John was "the man" when it came to building houses.

Again, I am amazed that I got to be on the sidelines watching a wonderful episode of life unfold before my eyes. On the way home, John and I spoke about how thankful we are for the opportunities we've been given, though we like to be quiet and understated. I hope this note does not come across as self-congratulation, but for what it is, gratitude for my college experience and for a husband who has been so good to me.

John, this post is dedicated to you as you serve the community. I pray that you know how valuable you are to me as well.

I love you! Denise