Surprised by a Cowboy in a Black Hat

As the herd of businessmen gathers at the gate for a Southwest flight to Phoenix, our attention is drawn to a cowboy wearing a black hat. He’s talking on an iPhone and knows exactly who he is looking for. You would of thought they were old buddies, but they are complete strangers.

The cowboy walks right up to the guy sitting next to me, and hands him the iPhone. He says, “It’s your wife” then turns and walks away.

We’re all wondering what in the world is going on, but the phone conversation soon reveals the details. The businessman next to me dropped his cell phone somewhere in the Austin airport. The cowboy found it, picked it up, called the owner’s wife, and determined how to find him among the myriad of gates and people in the place.

The businessman and the crowd were all in shock: “An honest man”. They were all amazed that someone would return a cell phone, an iPhone at that, and then go to such great lengths to return it. A true good guy … wearing a back hat.

From a Texan’s perspective … it’s no big deal. He’s not the only one. It’s what you do. You do what is right. You help people. You stay true and honest.

The crowd at the airport didn’t see it that way, “There is one honest man left in the world”, “He’s an ole honest cowboy”. They went on and on about this strange phenomenon called an honest man.

I find it strange that they find it strange. Maybe, I’m still way too naive. Maybe, I really don’t understand the depth of man’s depravity. Maybe, I am really backwards. Thank God you and I are backwards from a backwards world, which makes it right, the true forward. Real progress and true blessings come from following His commands.

Thank God for an honest cowboy wearing a back hat. He changed the business world on a cold day in Austin, Texas. Pun intended.

Disclaimer: The events of this story are true and accurate, occurring on 2/10/2012. The names of those involved are unknown, thereby protecting the innocent and guilty alike, yours truly included. And yes, I have a black hat also; Just bought it and wearing it frequently.