Are You a Good Man?

As a tequila enthusiast with specific tastes, I was recently searching for a unique bottle of tequila. When I showed the shop owner a picture of what I wanted, he gave me a look that seemed to question whether I recognized the rarity and quality of this particular tequila. The shop owner, a mature Hispanic man with a humble and friendly demeanor and very kind eyes, initially told me he didn't have it. However, after observing me for a few moments, he asked a question that completely caught me off guard: "Are you a good man?" I wish I could say I immediately responded, "Yes, I am," but the question and its context left me unsettled, so I replied, "I like to think I am." He looked at me again, as if peering into my soul, and said, "I believe you are a good man." Although he didn't have what I was seeking, he knew where I could find a bottle. He made a phone call and informed me where I could obtain it. As I left the shop, he came out from behind the counter to shake my hand and advised me to enjoy the rare tequila.

While driving across town to pick up the rare tequila, the question "are you a good man?" lingered in my mind. Almost unaware of the construction and traffic, I found myself reflecting deeply, asking whether I am, and have been, a good man throughout my life. I thought about major life choices, like marrying and staying married for 43 years, raising a family, and striving to be a good father to my two sons, whom I am immensely proud of. I also considered career decisions, such as joining the Air Force and moving to NYC. Beyond these, I pondered other life choices. Have I been present for my friends and family, not just in times of need, but by simply showing up? Have I dedicated my most precious resource, my time, to deserving causes and people? Have I positively impacted others' lives and surrounded myself with meaningful relationships? Have I made a difference? Do I treat everyone with respect, regardless of whether they agree with me? Do I handle situations calmly, offering others the benefit of the doubt? Am I a voice of reason in chaos, and do I embody Love in all situations, as my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ teaches? I realize I have fallen short in many of these areas, but with His Grace and Mercy, I must continue living, allowing Him to guide me as I do my best.

I finally reached the shop across town and found the rare tequila I was searching for. The shop owner informed me that this tequila is so scarce that people purchase it, post it online, and sell it at exorbitant prices—even though it's already quite expensive! Because of this, they discreetly try to vet and carefully choose who they sell it to. Now I understood why the other shop owner asked if I was a good man! I found it fascinating how this quest for a rare tequila led to a significant moment of self-reflection and introspection for me. It made me want to encourage other men to ask themselves the same question—Are You a Good Man?