An Evening of Boys and Men

“We are, in large part, a culture that expects its boys to initiate themselves into manhood."
― Michael Gurian, The Wonder of Boys

Last night I had the privilege of spending time with 17 8th grade boys. It was so good to be in the presence of boys right on the cusp of manhood. Right in that weird stage of development where they are still boys but the hormones are active and in full gear growing their bodies as they are changing into men. They listened and participated and in many ways it was so simple yet magical. 

Sitting among them telling stories, reading from the Bible and then playing full speed games of ultimate football and frisbee...felt so right and good. It was a scene that could have easily been played out 100 years ago. For that reason alone it was special. It didn't need hi-tech devices or graphics, it didn't need staged performances or strobe lights. A bible, a good story and a field and as a result men and boys connected in ways that can't be manufactured.

They need more of this...as men we need more of this. We need to be able to fellowship together and explore the mystery of God, the complexity of our world and engage in the goodness of sport and competition. Not for trophies or with slick uniforms...but just because we love to play, compete and be part of a team. This is the good stuff, this is worth fighting for, this is worth repeating.