I had a 'weekend away' with many members from my church this past weekend, all men. The theme of the weekend was "Running To Win" and the teachings were centered around the idea of winning in life as you draw close to God, His Word and live for Him. Oh there were competitions, some were official. Basketball, Wallyball, HorseShoes and a strange Baptist tradition callled a sword drill. I don't know if it is Baptist but it just seems like it could be.
There were also unofficial competitions. Who can smell the worst? Who can eat the most? Who can laugh the most? (We all tried hard to win this one!) Who can have the most body hair? The least? Who is the oldest? Who is the youngest? There were also subtle events that were sneaky and quiet. These events come about when any group gets together and insecurity comes around looking for someone to eat. Competitions like, "Who has the appearance of a man?", or "Who can pretend the best at having it all together?" or "Who would rather cling to pride than humility?" or "Who can crack the best joke and hurt someone and get the most laughs?" Oh yea, I entered some of these games and might have even won a few, unofficially.
I had to ask forgiveness this morning from my two daughters. Over the weekend, I the one who was given the task of protecting my children, failed. As I was having the conversation and trying to explain to my girls what I was made aware of by God's grace my youngest looked at me with relief. I kinda imagined her saying in her head, "Dad I'm glad you were paying attention to our struggle." I also imagined her saying some other things but I can't write them here. I'm pretty sure she wouldn't even say the things I thought she would say but my rich vocabulary lends itself to the vulgar. Sorry.
All this to say I was inspired by my Pastor this weekend, at the retreat and during our service on Sunday. We, our church, had a child dedication. The concept is this: I as a mommy or daddy, or hopefully both, will do my best to raise my child(ren) unto God and the rest of God's family there will do their collective best to help. Being a man, a real man doesn't involve basketball, horseshoes or smelling bad. (Usually not the last one for sure!) Being a man does involve a continual submission to God, His Word and a servants heart in providing life giving opportunities for those you may have the ability to influence. If we as men could be hooked up to a MAN-meter at the end of each day, what score would you get? Now don't get confused, God is the only one able to read, score or tabulate the results. There may even be a few hanging chads! The heart of the only complete man to walk on the planet was overflowing with love - Jesus' heart spilled over every day and sometimes drown people who were so thirsty for love and affirmation. Go get a "Jesus is my hero" poster and put it up in the room of your heart. Then you can begin to imitate a real man, God in the bod, Jesus Christ, inventor of the MAN-meter.
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May, 2008