The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth

The Geek Shall Inherit the Earth

We think we raise our children in the exact same way, same rules, same standards, same beliefs, same expectations.  Yet they are all so different in how their personalities and character traits develop.

My oldest son Z has earned the reputation as the brightest, most scholarly of the three.  He could (does) qualify as the stereotypical “geek.”  I saw this trait in him even from a very young toddler, his heightened fascination with puzzles.  The more we bought him, the faster he would work them, begging for more, each more challenging than the one before.   My whiz kid.   It just comes natural.   The family teases him about it, but he would fit right in with the cast of Big Bang Theory.  He hangs out with The Brainy Bunch, a group of young people who seem to exist and function and converse on that “higher plane.”     

Of the three brothers, Z has been gifted not only with brains, but with brawn.  Tall, blonde, blue-eyes, and an easy, knockout smile that exudes charm and friendliness.  I’ve mentioned this before, but he’s constantly compared to “a blonde Matt Damon.”  I can’t tell whether he appreciates that or not, frankly.  He almost seems embarrassed about it.  Always having lacked self-confidence, he’s rather naïve about his good looks and nowhere near as outgoing and confident as his younger brother G.  I’ve often thought he could learn a thing or two from his brother.  Z’s lack of confidence has been a stumbling block for his social and dating life.  Finding women who share common interests and who he feels himself around has been a challenge for him. 

As I think about this, “Miss Right” will have to possess these qualities for Z to show serious interest.


- She will need to be a Christian.

 Z is a deeply devoted, godly young man who puts God first in everything he does.  He is kind-hearted, gentle-spirited, and has a heart the size of Texas.  I’ve never heard him say a negative or unkind word about anyone.  He never complains and insists on finding the good in everyone and in everything life throws at him.  Deeply devoted to his family, his brothers, and his church, Z possesses a spirit that puts most people to shame, young or old.  Never a day passes that he hasn’t spent time in God’s Word and looking for ways to serve Him.  Though a little on the quiet side until you get to know him, he never meets a stranger and he would go out of his way to help someone in need. 

- She should be intelligent and driven -- just goes without saying.

- She should possess a sense of humor.  

As serious as he is at times, Z is fun-loving and, like his mom, is addicted to laughter.   

- She can’t be materialistic. 

Z has always insisted on living meagerly.  He’s never shown interest in fads, fancy clothes, money or status.  He stretches his money as far as he can, gives generously to others in need, to the church, and prides himself in living a very simple lifestyle. 

Who is she?  Where is she?  What is she like?  When will they find each other?  It’s one of those ongoing, unsolved mysteries that keeps me wondering…the perfect match for my son.    

Z switched majors in his sophomore year of college from mechanical engineering to focus on foreign studies, Japanese and German specifically.  He spent a year in Japan and six months in Germany during his time in college to augment his fluency.  He graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Japanese and German in May of 2011.  This past December he took the Japanese fluency exam that is given in Washington, D.C. annually.  He will know the results in February.  For the past several weeks he and some other young people his age are considering returning to Japan this summer to teach English.  He would live there and teach for a couple of years before deciding what and where and when for his “next chapter.”  Having done his research and groundwork into this job opportunity, he hopes to use these earnings to pay off the remaining balance on his student loans.

 I’m not crazy about him being so far away for two full years, but I can’t be selfish about this.  I want him to be happy, to be fulfilled, to grow and mature and see the world, prompting more and more opened doors for his future.  I feel that he is still seeking direction for his purpose in life, and this could be another stepping stone for him.  I’m still trying to come to terms with this endeavor of his…it’s a bittersweet acceptance.  Happiness.  Success.  Fulfillment.  Love.  A meaningful and rewarding career.  A mother wants all of those things for her son.  My pride for him and his accomplishments, his virtues, his faith and service to God, is immeasurable.

What will this year bring?  I’m anxious to see what 2013 will reveal for him.