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Teens at Welch's Point for a Sunset |
That deep orange circle of sun rapidly disappeared
underneath the canopy line of trees. The
edge of dark chasm between us and the sun only added to the gravity of the colorful
spectacle before us. So much joy filled
my heart as I watched these teenagers quietly stay in awe of the sunset view
from Welch’s point. My heart was full.
I’ve listened to too many men share that life seems meaningless,
empty of joy, devoid of passion, or lacking in purpose. Yet, these exciting men are doing daring
things. They are fishing aficionados,
drag racing darers, metal-working masters, tennis terrors, Zumba-aholics, and rock
climbing rockstars. How can a man enjoy
such marvelous adventures, yet struggle to find fulfillment in life? I think solution lies in the old mantra, “Sharing
is caring.”
No, I’m not talking about taking a photo, posting it on
Facebook, and clicking a share button. Sharing
is connecting intimate time, moments, and memories personally with other people. If you want to upgrade to the next level of
fulfillment in life, there are four peoples you may want to share your life adventures
with.
Share Level 1 – Your spouse.
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Climbing at Vertical eXcape in Bowling Green |
As a minister, I counsel too many men who complain about
losing the “spark” in marriage as husbands and wives live in the same house
with their lives moving different directions. Regularly sharing adventures with
my wife has brought us to a higher level of intimacy and fulfillment in our
marriage.
Recently Ashley and I shared an inexpensive trip to southern Kentucky where we enjoyed indoor rock climbing and a butterfly sanctuary. Our hearts that are often tugged in different directions by hurried schedules were rekindled as I encouraged her up a 30’ rock wall. Our closeness increased as together we marveled at the soft kisses of butterfly wings as they fluttered all around us. While butterflies are not my first choice of adventure and rock climbing certainly isn’t hers, the sharing of simple adventures together rekindled a fire and sense of fulfillment in our marriage. If you find your hobbies unfulfilling in your life, consider sharing them with your wife.
Recently Ashley and I shared an inexpensive trip to southern Kentucky where we enjoyed indoor rock climbing and a butterfly sanctuary. Our hearts that are often tugged in different directions by hurried schedules were rekindled as I encouraged her up a 30’ rock wall. Our closeness increased as together we marveled at the soft kisses of butterfly wings as they fluttered all around us. While butterflies are not my first choice of adventure and rock climbing certainly isn’t hers, the sharing of simple adventures together rekindled a fire and sense of fulfillment in our marriage. If you find your hobbies unfulfilling in your life, consider sharing them with your wife.
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Charlie Miller Butterfly Habitiat Bowling Green |
Share Level 2 – Share with your children
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July 2019 at Welch's Point |
Some of my fondest memories of childhood are from my times
drag racing with dad. No, I couldn’t
drive the 1969 Camaro, but he made sure I had an important job on his racing
team. My little red radio flyer wagon was the perfect size to tote a big water
sprayer which I dutifully used to cool down the car’s radiator after a run down
the dragstrip. I know I slowed down his
daring dragracing, but it brought him a sense of joy knowing that his son was
sharing in the adventures with him.
Likewise, there’s little I enjoy more today than when one of my kids
gets up to preach a sermon with my help, navigates the rapids in a kayak beside
me, or fires the .22 rifle as we target practice together. To find more fulfillment in life, share in your
adventures with your children.
Share Level 3 – Share with community kids
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We kayaked to a cave and got wet inside! |
Tim was good at making and flying model planes. He loved the high-flying fun and sunk a lot of
money into his immaculately made airplanes.
When I was 17 years old, I remember watching him as he met once on month
on Tuesday nights with his “Airplane Club,” a group of kids in the community
who built and flew airplanes with him. Maybe
it was his training as a preacher that gave him so much patience with the kids,
because it took a lot when they crashed the creations they had made together. Tim was a good example for me. As I look
around the community in White County, I witness many kids that don’t have
active parents in their lives sharing adventures with them. No, not every kid likes to kayak, hike, and
play tennis like I do. Yet when we are
willing to offer and share our adventures with others, I’ve found no shortage
of kids willing to be in my informal “kayaking club.” You’ll find me sporting a big grin as my sons
and their new friends shout and yell their way down the rolling waters of the Caney
Fork next to me. Share your daring deeds
with other kids who desperately need it and your heart will continue to be
filled up.
Share Level 4 – Share with another adult
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I'm grateful for the many gray haired men in my life! |
They had more gray hair than me, but I was blessed years ago
to join with a group of adventurous men in church. These old codgers taught me a lot: how to run
a marathon, win a 5k, cycle 60 miles, catch the biggest bass, shoot pool, bow-hunt a deer,
and much more. Unbeknownst to me, this
group of older fellas at church were training me in daring adventures which in
turn, I would share with my sons. While I never intended to be a “dad-trainer,”
now that I have a few more gray hairs, I now find myself in that same informal position,
and I love it. It brings me great joy to take a young father running on his
first half-marathon, give him his first tennis racket as he steps on the court
with me, or guide him into his first cave exploring adventure. My smile broadens as I watch him share the
same daring adventures with other children as the process repeats itself. Share
your adventures with other adults, and you’ll find no lack of fulfillment in
all you do.
Welch’s point was beautiful the other day as I took those
teens on a trip to see their first sunset from that high cliff precipice. Yet
the greater joy came a few days later as photos popped into my Instagram feed
of my first-timers now taking others to enjoy the same awe-inspiring
experience. Sharing truly is caring. My heart is full.
“And do not forget to do good and to share with
others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
The word “forte” comes from the latin word “fortis” meaning strength. Our weekly Family Forte article in The Expositor is the effort of family at Central Church of Christ to give your family the love, care, and attention it needs to become a stronger version of itself. If we can help you in any way, please contact us at Central Church of Christ through email, topherwiles@spartacoc.com, or through our website, www.spartacoc.com.