Meaning:
A kindred spirit - someone I can agree with.
Background:
The term originates from the Bible (King James Version):
Samuel 13:14:
But now thy kingdom shall not continue: the LORD hath sought him a man
after his own heart, and the LORD hath commanded him to be captain over his
people, because thou hast not kept that which the LORD commanded thee.
Acts 13:22:
And when he had removed him, he raised up unto them David to be their king;
to whom also he gave testimony, and said, I have found David the son of
Jesse, a man after mine own heart, which shall fulfil all my will.
- www.phrases.org.uk [edited]
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'A man after my own heart' reminded me of Michael, 6'2", one of the strongest
jiu-jiteiros in my old gym who calls to mind the giant babarian that took several
Roman legionaries to strike down in the movie 'Gladiator.' We were about the same
age and sparred often and gave each other no quarter. I was no match in strength
or skill and counted myself lucky if only submitted once in a six-minute round.
Occasionally, I got him by a surprise ankle lock and that'd make my day.
His son and mine both did well in the kids' group, training regularly and
winning tournaments. They looked awkward, however, once they joined the adults:
the big dogs had to start at the bottom of the totem pole, and that was when I
decided to train. "When my boy's on the mat, I have to be there," I once told a
coach, and Michael nearby said: "W and I are on the same wavelength." He was a
kindred spirit.
