Competing like the Greeks

Every year I go to a small gathering of men and compete like the original Olympians did (except we have clothes on). We call it Manlympics. Now we aren't going to be competing until later this Fall, but they were on my heart today and so I thought I would give you a glimpse into the amazing men i get to spend 3 days with a year.

Often times fights break out, usually caused by me because soccer shouldn't be included in the competition because it's a game for sissies, plus Matt and I never win. The teams are broken up like so:
Caleb and Lane: The Romans (They are known for their skeet shooting ability as well as being men in general. Regarded as the strongest, physically, of all the teams. They are the champions 2 years running).

Jordan and Ryan: The Huns (Regarded for being the most Patriotic and fastest. They excel in soccer and games of chance. Always regarded as the dark horse of the Manlympics, at least in my eyes. They have come in 2nd place two years running.)

Matt and Peter: The Anglo Saxons (I feel like we are never the front runners for any of the competitions but we are never favored to lose either. Nope, I take that back, we are undefeated in basketball thanks to Matt's time in the hood and my gurth under the basket. We have come in last place every year thus far.)

Also, to prevent a fight from breaking out amongst them concerning who I love the most I am going to go in alphabetical order. The really want me to love them the most, I think I know how Jesus felt when the disciples were arguing over the same thing. Is that blasphemy?

So First off is Caleb. This picture is fitting for him because he tends to be the quarterback of the group. Nothing happens unless Caleb touches the ball first. He tends to be the one who starts the big play and runs like Brett Favre to the end zone to be the first to congratulate you when you finish like a champ. Caleb has been instrumental in helping me see where I miss the mark as a husband to Sarah and where I succeed. I am a better husband because of Caleb's encouragement and insight.


So this is Jordan, he gets the award for longevity in my friendships. Jordan tends to be the peace maker of the group. Which is funny considering he is the one who tends to stir the pot initially. He is the guy who can sell anything to anyone, there are many a times when I have argued with him until he convinced me I agreed with him even when we were on opposite ends of the spectrum. He is responsible for keeping my faith in God hot, times when I wanted to quit, when I was going through the motions he called me back. He is one of the most humble encouragers I know.

Next is Lane, now many of you are thinking right now, wait who is Lane, why haven't you told more stories about him? Lane is a brother of mine for two main reasons, 1. He loves the Lord, 2. He is genuine in everything he does. Because of these two things when Lane and I get the opportunity to talk or hang-out it is a blessed time. This isn't the only picture I have of Lane, but it describes him best because he tends to be a set-up man. He is the guy who helps set-up, clean-up, and is always willing to encourage and laugh. He never has a hidden agenda and is always upfront with criticism and nothing matters more than relationships. He has taught me to make sure that God comes first, people come second, and everything else comes last.

Now I was Matt's best man in his wedding even though He wasn't even one of my ten groomsmen, nope that wasn't a typo, I had ten groomsmen. Matt and I became friends after Sarah and I got married, and it was a long distance relationship where we talked on the phone daily. No, not Sarah and I, Matt and I. Matt is a kindred spirit to me. We tend to see everything eye to eye, and when Matt, his wife Leah, Sarah and I get totgether it tends to be a breath of fresh air. A chance to connect with people who view life as we do, who value what we do, and love the Lord unashemedly. Matt has taught me empathy for those less fortunate and what it means to be passionate for the Lord.

Last is Ryan. I have come to cherish Ryan's relationship with me. This is a man who hungers for scripture and will never stop short of living epically. His first concern is how to love God more and show others how to do the same. Mine and Ryan's relationship has changed in the last year because he became a youth pastor as well, because of this we are a greater encouragement to each other. We know where each other are, we share the frustrations of ministry together, we share the successes of ministry together. Ryan has taught me to hunger for scripture and how important it is to get in my time with the Lord everyday.

These are men that have blessed me in my life, some for a very long time, others our journey together is just beginning, but if it weren't for these five guys I would be deficient in my walk with Christ, in my relationship with my wife, as a father to my son, and as a Pastor to my students. For that, I say, "Huzzah, huzzah, huzzah."