Nope, I’m not talking about the season premier of Survivor (has it really been on since 2000? Wowsers.)
This morning I woke before the sun began to peek over the crest of Mount Nittany and made my way to 1250 University Dr to join a band of brothers on a Quest for Authentic Manhood. I’ve been meaning to get to these meetings for a couple of years now, but 6:15 has always been my nemesis. That being said, today wasn’t too bad. There were friendly faces waiting to greet me, and a hot cup of coffee provided a little jump start to the morning.
I found myself at a table with a bunch of younger men from midtown (the church gathering I lead.) Some have been recently married, while others have yet to tie the knot. All of them are younger than me by at least 10 years, but we’re all looking to grow as men. It doesn’t really matter how long you’ve been a male adult–true manhood can be elusive.
My buddy Paul put it this way: Looking like a man is easy… I am looking forward to seeing how men’s fraternity is going to help me be a man.
Of course, if you had a beard like Paul, looking like a man would be easy for you, too.
A couple of thoughts stoof out for me today:
1. Manhood is in a state of confusion–we don’t know what our model is, and we wrestle with disappointments, pain, and loneliness.
2. Confused men settle for less in life. Existing does not equal living. Thoreau wrote that “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” (Walden) I believe, however, that we are created in the image of the Most High God, and are promised life in abundance. I don’t want to settle for a meaningless existence; I want to live a radically, fully-alive life. “The glory of God is man fully alive.” – St. Irenaeus
I am looking forward to deep discussions as we walk this road together. There is hope for those of us who are trying to reclaim what God had in mind when he created us. I’m excited about what I’m going to learn about myself, about the refined direction that God has for my life, and what that will mean for my family, especially my son (sons?!)
Even if it means that, at least one day of the week, I have to become a morning person. You should come join us. I’ll save you a cup of coffee…
0 Comments