Friends and Laughter
Sometime ago our community of Believers started a couple of gatherings for men. It is not that we didn’t want to have women join us, or that we oppose their being part of what we are doing – it’s just that they have their own thing.
A few of us (never understand why it is not “all of us”) get together early in the morning at a local eatery. Others (and some guys attend both) meet in the evening at a coffee house. The only conversation that is “off limits” is Church matters and Theology (we llove that stuff too, but this is not the time and place). Instead, we talk about politics, sports, history, etc., and relate tales from our life – most of which are probably skewed a little to make us look better, braver, smarter, and more interesting than we really are (which is what real men do when they are among good friends).
It is one of my favorite times of the week. I find myself laughing over and over while being constantly amazed at the reckless adventurers I am among, and enjoying the shortest hour of my week as the joyful banter sweeps us through the time. Most of all, I enjoy learning about other guys, building lasting relationships, entertaining my life with another fellow who lives his life with challenges, thoughts, problems, and victories that we share in common.
It is one of the best things in my life. I am glad the stuffy old Preacher stays at home (it’s much to early for him to be up and around) and I can be “myself” without regard to how he might perceive my story and my laughter. The Truth is, there in that little building, friends gather, share one another’s life, joy, comfort, and start/continue the journey that hopefully will last a lifetime. It’s not Bible Study (as wonderful as that is), or Prayer Meeting (as vital as that is), or a discussion or the nature of historical, dispensational, pre-milliennial systematic theology (thank God). It is, rather, a discipline of llove. If you don’t know what “that” is, see if you can get info on “when” and “where.” I suspect you will be glad you did.