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It’s interesting to me that we often think that we have no choice.  “He makes me so mad” we say, rather than “he behaves badly and I choose to hold on to the anger that causes.”  OK, it’s not as emotional – but it is valid.  We may not choose our initial reactions, but we choose our long term emotions.

Here’s some proof…

Have you ever had a day when you look back on it and say something like “I should not have been that angry with her” or “I really was too hard on him”?  Just this thought says that you have some control over those emotions that you expressed.  Now we may rationalize it away with “well she brings out the worst in me” or “he was really arrogant” or other such nonsense, but the reality is out in the open with that first thought and nothing that we can pile on top of it will change it in any way.  Thus, if we can realize that we emotionally over-reacted, it logically follows that we can control that reaction, and if we have control then we can choose to control ourselves or not.  It’s that simple.

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Mark 3:3 – Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, “Stand up in front of everyone.”

For some reason, this bible verse struck me this morning. Jesus is about to heal this man. He’s about to do something to show the powers-that-be that they’re out of touch. Something really powerful is about to happen. But to get there, the man has to show his weakness in front of everyone. He needed to step out and show everyone his weakest part for something great to happen.

How often do we think that the only way to greatness is to hide weaknesses? I know that I notice the weaknesses in others, even if they try to hide them, so I’m sure that people see mine. It’s only when we’re candid about our weaknesses that we can let others come alongside us and form a powerful team. If I’m weak and someone else is strong, we both gain from working together and the result can be awesome.

Just think of what would have happened to that man if he had stuck his hand in his pocket and denied that it was crippled. And think about what happened when he admitted his weakness.

The original version of this book created a movement among men, especially Christians, who feel that a great read. something is missing in them being a “real man”. This is not a he-man, macho thing, but a real exploration of what it means to be a man – strong and loving, tough and tender. John Eldredge is a gifted wordsmith, and this book is no exception. It’s easy to read but at the same time very rich and vibrant. It is so enjoyable that I would read it again. This updated version adds some new stories that have happened since Eldredge wrote the original which add depth as well. Overall, it’s a great read!

The one thing you should know in getting in to this book – it is just the beginning. Eldredge himself describes it as 101 level information. It lays the groundwork for the masculine Christian journey, but there is so much more to do once you finish this basic exploration.

I recommend this book to men who are trying to grow in their masculinity and authenticity – it’s a great baseline for that journey. I’d also recommend it to wives and mothers to give them a look into their men and boys.

You can find it here: Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man’s Soul.

Today, by the grace of God, I learned to stop and take a breath. Just for a few minutes, in the middle of the busyness and the tight schedule, just stop. Smile. Breathe deep. Relax.

I’m working on it as a whole program – a way of life. A mini-meditation.

Try it.