What Makes a Man a Man

59.  That's the number of days until Emileigh becomes Mrs. Jacob Rogers.  The days leading up to the Big Event are quite exciting and also a bit challenging when we are here (Egypt) and she is there (U.S.).  Thankfully (and I am sincere about this) SKYPE saves us from carpal tunnel and the many, MANY details that have to be discussed.

I pretty much love events.  I love to create them, plan them, execute them…but this is one of the best.    You see, the longer I'm married to John, the more I realize just what a good man he is.  That in turn makes me think about the men that our girls will marry.  We've had long talks with our girls about what makes a man a man.  

Here's some of the list:

1)  He has a deep love for God.  He's not perfect.  He's not steeped in religious jargon to impress.  He just has a heart to listen and obey God.

2)  He has a good core.  Our girls have heard this one a lot.  When you get right down to it, is he a good person, kind, loving, respectful? Is he someone you would want your children to emulate?

3)  He has gumption.  Yes, gumption.  The wherewithal to not just dream, but to take steps toward attaining the dream.  Someone who doesn't let life just "happen" to him, but rather he seizes the day.

4)  He has fortitude.  Does he see things through?  Does he keep going?  Does he pout and quit? Can he overcome adversity?

5)  He is financially responsible.  No, he doesn't have to be Mark Cuban, but he should at least have a plan to manage his funds, handle credit and spend wisely.

6)  He is able to make decisions.  This sounds like a no-brainer, but he needs to know what he wants and where he's going if he's going to take my daughter along with him.

7)  He has a good sense of humor.  He has to in order to survive in our family as well as some of the curves that life will throw at him.

8)  He not only needs to love my daughter, but cherish her.  When you cherish, you protect, you guard, you forgive, you appreciate.

9)  He works hard and is diligent in all he is given.

10) He is consistent.  My daughter can depend on him.  She knows that he won't blow up one minute and lavish her with praise the next.  He makes her feel safe.

11)  He loves the Bible and he loves prayer.  Any challenges they might face as a couple can be sorted through this spiritual discipline.

12)  He only has eyes for her.  He carries himself in such a way (publicly and privately) that she never questions his devotion.

If it sounds like a high standard, well, it is.  You see, we're talking about my daughters.  If we (John and I) don't teach them what to look for in a man, then where will they get the information?  Better yet, if we hadn't modeled it for them (as to the best of our ability and some apologies), how would they know we were right?

In 59 days, John will get to walk Emileigh down the aisle to a man that encompasses all these qualities and we couldn't be more thrilled.  But this isn't a one-stop checklist shop.  We each have to continue to choose to walk in obedience to Jesus' teachings and submission to each other.  It's a daily choice that when chosen makes for an amazing life! (Cue "The Wedding March"!)

Now somebody pass the Kleenex!

www.mywedding.com/emileighandjacob