flava-flave

well. flavor of the week. this kinda came outta nowhere. of course, it might be just me making stuff up. i choose to think that God is right in the middle of it. i say “flavor” maybe better to be described, aroma, or essence. it’s something in my mind, yet sensory, a real feeling. this flavor was put into motion a few weeks ago.

here’s how it got started… i have a certain friend, whom i respect very much, and whom i’ve had the privilege of laughing very hard with. so hard actually, that we couldn’t breathe, with tears and all. come to think of it, i actually might could gauge friendship depth on how hard i’ve laughed with someone. but anyway. he pointed me toward listening to a podcast of a pastor from somewhere in texass. my friend is also a pastor..so hey..i figured he’s on point. my first podcast listen was a safe-topic-sermon that had promise of entertainment. titled: “the role of men”. i guess also i picked it because i’ve heard it all when it comes to being a “christian man” therefore, i can determine if he meets an approval. i mean, come on! i’ve been to more than just one promise keeper conference. i’ve actually chanted nursery rhyme type cheers with along side fifty-thousand other manly-men. surely that put me on the fast track in the “i’m a man training”. i’ve read books! wild at heart and tender warrior. dude! i’m a manley man!!

“the role of men” podcast was different. refreshing. great insight into what i thought was an exhausted topic. i listened to it this week and it started the flave.

also contributing to the flavor this week:

• i had a deep discussion with a close friend about how God has called us to serve our wives (or my future wife). and i mean way-way serve her. like more than i ever really thought about. and not just because of what she can provide in return (which seems to be an easy motivation), or not even fully b/c we’re called to. but for her, just for being her. the cool thing is it’s exactly how God has loved me. that’s exciting stuff. it’s the same experience that Jesus feels towards me and what i can expect to feel while loving her and serving her. and i know that may sound basic. but maybe i just needed to repeat it…i can’t wait to get there. God does/did this for us perfectly. it parallels perfectly(but of course not equally) with what He did for us on the cross.

• i read the book of ruth. it’s fun to read… and i decided that it’s the chick flick of the bible. i could totally see minnie driver playing the part of ruth and maybe…um, russell crowe playing boaz. ha! but more seriously. it reinforced one thing that the podcast preacher guy said. he talked about how there’s a popular thought in evangelical circles today that in single-hood, one must first be content being single (you know, like, kiss it goodbye). the idea is that after finding this contentment, God will bring the right person along. God created us to be together and in love!! right?? why seek contentment in being alone? that’s just weak. ruth wasn’t weak. ruth didn’t just wait around for her love to happen by first being content without it. she freaking went out to work boaz’s field!! made her presence known!! she knew exactly what she wanted and what she was doing. apparently so did he. ladies!! are you listening? all you got to do is show up in my yard and rake some leaves or something. come on!! thanks.

ok. so i’ll wrap it up. i now think it’s great to think about the romance of God! He has a romance for us each individually. previously i’d thought it to be just a bit much…but how cool! we get to know a similar experience of this divine type love in (and through) our spouse. i’m not content, and certainly i’m not trying to be settled and single without such a knowledge. but on the other hand thankfully, i’m experiencing the real deal!! the flava-flave!! “flavor of love” to be found in God. ha!