DailyConnections.net

MONDAY 7/14/08

The Company of Men
 
As a man, I recognize that most men lean toward the solitary.  We define ourselves more by what we do for a living than by any other yardstick.  Our toughest years tend to be that decade and a half between 30 and 45, when we devote ourselves almost exclusively to the demanding task of putting in long hours building careers, trying to be good fathers and husbands, and facing, with stoic expressions, the financial challenges of it all. Our greatest strength is our ability to conceal those moments of sheer terror that sometimes overwhelm us.
 
That’s one reason I was delighted to be part of a men’s group that formed last year at our church.  We meet one Saturday each month, always over a great breakfast all or one of us prepares.  We talk about everything and anything from sailing, to our dogs, to our challenges, to our kids and grandkids, to church plans and even, now and then, by the way, about what it means to be a Christian man in today’s world and church.  The camaraderie is pretty good, and many of us discover that we are not all that alone in the pains and joys of our lives.  
 
My point:  We all need some good and clean and strong human connections, something that I believe is called friendship.  Women have no problem picking up the phone and “doing” lunch with a friend.  Men should do more of that, too.  Pick up the phone.  Call a friend.  No agenda.  No kumbaya hugs or stuff like that.  Just a little time with a friend.  Enjoy. — jri
 
“As iron sharpens iron, so man
sharpens his fellow man.”
        –    Proverbs 27:17