Truly Admirable

I got to spend most of Wednesday evening with someone dear to me who was in town on business. Not only do I love him as a friend, but I have come to experience him as a truly admirable and excellent person. I can’t tell you simply why this is because it’s not simple. He possesses very diverse qualities that stand, not in opposition, but in complement. He’s a career warrior, and shockingly tender-hearted. He’s financially frugal, and unflinchingly generous. He’s fiercely loyal, and uncompromisingly straightforward as regards accountability (but always kind). He makes me both relaxed and exhausted.

The balance—or maybe better, tension—of these qualities is complex, but over the last few decades I’ve come to realize that the highest and deepest and most admirable people in my life are simply not “simple”. They’re a coming together in one person of often seemingly opposed qualities. And that’s much of what makes them beautiful.

In this week’s Epistle, St. John, in an apocalyptic vision, is taken to heaven’s throne room where Jesus is announced as a Lion—an animal who makes prey of others, is strong, wild, majestic and dangerous. But when he's finally allowed to see him, is a Lamb—easy prey, weak, harmless, lowly, and killed for our food. Seemingly opposed qualities that make Jesus beautiful, and excellent, and truly admirable.

See you Sunday.

Steve+