A man's man

I recently took my son to go see a rodeo. First thing I have to say is that what they say about a man in uniform is also very true of a man in chaps!! Beyond that, I noticed a couple of interesting things. When the show was getting ready to start they took a good fifteen minutes out of the show to talk about our country and to honor those serving in the armed forces. There is such a strong feeling of patriotism when you are surrounded with people immersed in "the country" (which I am very proud to be a part of!). I love the fact that there is a respect for our country, our flag and our men and women in the military. I have felt that way for such a long time and it disgusts me when I see others take our freedom and the sacrifices made so very flippantly. The second thing that I noticed that kind of took me by surprise was the fact that before they began the announcer prayed. He prayed! Here we are in this grand arena with thousands of people and this man is talking about thanking God and then he actually prayed. What affected me the most was that about 2/3 of these rough and tough cowboys got down on one knee and put their hats over their hearts when the announcer began to pray. Now, I am not so naive to not realize that alot of this is show, but at least there is a showing of gratitude towards God. At least it is something that is acknowledged! All of this got me thinking. Here are these men that are billed as "the world's toughest" and yet it is encouraged/expected of them to behave in a certain manner. These men have been taught (and are teaching the little cowboys that look up to them) that above all else, you love your country and you love your God (in that order it seems though). One cowboy in particular had crosses on his chaps and knelt and prayed after each ride. That I respect. I know that there are professional athletes that do that kind of thing too, but it is rare. (on a side note, pro athletes don't usually continuing playing with broken ankles, ribs, fingers, etc. . .). Being a single mom, I have so many concerns about what my little boy is going to admire and strive to become. I am very cautious of who he looks up to and last night, he saw a good example. Now I won't pretend that everything about these cowboys is honorable, but he saw that a "man's man" is also a man that loves his God and honors his country. Two things that I am desperately trying to instill in his young heart. So even if it is a skewed picture, he still gets a glimpse of the kind of man I hope he becomes. So do I want him to be a man's man? In some regards absolutely! I just want him to also not only love his God, I want him to be passionate about Him. I also want him to understand that part of being a man's man in my book is greatly based upon how he treats women, especially "his woman". When all is said and done, the rodeo was an absolute blast and I hope to return each year when it comes to town. I am also learning to embrace my country girl side a little more each day!! ;)