My son went to his spring formal last night. There was an after party. There were some antics that can only be described as inspired by sugar and caffeine in the absence of alcohol. A girl and a boy were arm wrestling, and the girl won. One of the boy's friends could not let this outrage stand. He summoned a boy tougher than he and the boy who had been defeated. That boy was my son. My son not only defeated the girl, he defeated every boy who step up to challenge him. Then his arms gave out, and he found something else to do.
My son learned a little something about how girls and boys support each other when they are challenged: girls lift each other up and boys beat each other down. Girls give each other strength. Boys inspire anger in each other to tap into primal reserves. Girls are there for each other. Boys remind each other that they will lose the bet if the boy doesn't come through, (and now we're both losers, thanks!).
After it was all said and done, and my son had earned the reputation of being the guy to end it if something gets started, my son went to talk to the girl. He wanted to make sure she was okay, and he wanted to make a connection. She was so strong, stronger than anyone he had ever met, and he admired her for that. He admired how she stood up for herself, and how she put up a better fight than the guys he arm-wrestled afterward. She was surprised by his behavior and very happy that he stopped by.
I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Now waiting for me is the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge, will award me on that Day -- and not only to me, but all those who have eagerly longed for His appearance.
2 Timothy 4: 7-8
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