Did you ever wonder why someone was doing something only to find out you'd rather not have known? You keep asking because you care and know the person enough that something is amiss. They don't want to tell you ... but they crumble knowing they need to tell someone out of their comfort zone. Then they feel better (probably.) But you wished you kept your mouth shut and never said anything. Happened to me a few days ago.Its part of the joy of getting to know people and not crossing the gossip/griping line. I went away for 24 hours this past weekend on a mens retreat. Pegged as a time of reflection and spirituality, I've been questioned by a few close to me (male and female) as to what I thought about the weekend's festivities.
In a round about way - what do I think was accomplished?
Well .. my opinions have not been well received at any point in my life - high or low, young or mature, work or home. What? A post from Jerry void of opinion or irreverence? Bollocks! Why would I do that? A refreshing change perhaps. To wet your appetite for conflict, I dodged the female queries because women are smarter than me and cause more damage. To the fellas, I recommended removing their thumbs from what should only be used to turn out excrement.
But I will tell you what I pulled together and, in some cases rediscovered while retreating with 14 other dudes from Lake Pointe that have committed to study the Word together on a weekly basis.
- Duke is lending his home to the Boxtown Mission.
- Robert is serving - always without hesitation.
- Kevin desires more action.
- Eric wants more interaction.
- Tucker is young and fishing.
- Grimey is on the brink and completely open and honest.
- Billy is ready, can't get there, but willing to work at it.
- Wes is wrapping it up.
- Brandon is rebuilding.
- Ryan is opening his abode.
- Nick is looking for difficult answers concerning fatherhood.
- Ben is working it out.
Everyone was pondering on the Holiest of Holies. We even had a guy catch his first fish! I have obviously taken that for granted.
I am in awe of these men as they take the first step towards a better way to live - an authentic manhood focused on Leading Courageously, Accepting Responsibility, Rejecting Passivity and Expecting God’s Greater Reward.
We've come a long way ... this rag-tag group of weirdos from the bowels of the mega church on the Wall. There is no argument that we all received a great understanding of where each other is in our personal walks and where we will be going as a group. If not ... well, you just weren't paying attention.
Do we get the picture? Probably not yet. But it's coming into focus. And amazing things will be accomplished for the Glory of God.Click here for a small web album of the trip thanks to Billy ...
And don't forget to get-cho-Self the ONLY cool ProSoap shirt ... click here. There is a dude and dude-ette version. Back in Black.
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1 comment:
You know what? I was refreshed, encouraged, reminded of my depravity, reminded of God's provision, reassured of His authority and still learning lessons from the little less than 24 hours spent at the lake.
It's wild to think not everyone wants to drink from this hydrant...but then, there's always a chance it could take your head off. Sometimes mine gets in the way anyhow.
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