Role # 1

This weekend at The River's Mancation we spent some time looking at 4 different roles given to men.

That first night I was sharing how I am still suprised how much my 3 boys long for and want physical affection from me. Even our oldest who is 12 and now a lanky 6 feet tall loves when it is his turn to sit "on my lap" (a near impossibility with his size) while watching TV. As I thought about that reality I realized that even I still have a longing for physical affection and affirmation from my dad - although the desire to sit on his lap is long past :). As men, we all have a built in need for such affirmation. Unfortunatley for a variety of reasons this need has gone unmet for many.

Thank God for God. Whether our dads have been able to meet our need for affection and affirmation or not, God longs to be Abba for us, to us, and with us. Granted he can't touch us physically, but he can bring words of affirmation (if we listen) and overt signs of love (if our eyes are open).

That first role that we were encouraged to walk into at the Mancation was the Role of Son. Son of the Most High God. Son of the King of Kings. Son of the Creator of the Universe. Son of the Father of Compassion. Son of the one who has reconciled us to Himself. Son of Abba. Son. It is yours to embrace my brothers. "See what manner of love he's given unto us that we should be called sons of God."

To embrace this role we were given a couple assignments. 1. Get alone with Abba. The "how" doesn't matter. Whether it is in your basement, a tree stand, or while riding a motorcycle doesn't matter. Just make some time to get in the word, ask of the Lord, and listen. 2. Be young again as if you were a young son to Abba (which you are). Play, goof round, don't take yourself to seriously and feel free to forget about work for a bit.

Peace and Joy
Rob