A Ceremonious Gathering

 

The cold winter blast coming through the door as the men arrived only heightened the warm festivity inside.  A hearty aroma of roast, potatoes and apple pie filled the house.  The table was set, the ceremony about to begin.   We gathered to eat in front of a blazing fireplace.  The feel of hunters and lodges, knights and round tables, elders and city gates was in the air.  We talked and laughed, we ate, we built a special bond.   

Our fellowship was comprised of six men: one was an outside adventure guide, another was a white-haired grandfather, two grew up in South Africa, the other was a long time family friend and there was me.  We were ceremoniously gathered to challenge and to inspire my thirteen year old son in his trek toward manhood.  A journey filled with adventure and pitfalls, victories and danger, uncertainty and courage.
 

As the meal was completed, our time took a more serious turn.  First I gave Daniel the charge, “A real man stands strong and courageous, accepts responsibility, provides leadership, acquires honorable character, and lives for a transcendent cause."  It was a definition I had gleaned from the Bible, others’ writings and my own thoughts over the preceding weeks.

 

Each man took a component of that definition and shared their thoughts.  One reminded him “treasure God from your heart.”  Another said that “the Lord bestows favor and honor on those whose walk with Him is blameless.”   On and on it went into the night with each man offering nuggets of wisdom and insight gleaned from their own walk with Christ. 

 

Then as the evening was winding down, Daniel knelt with each man placing a hand on his shoulder in a symbolic gesture of blessing.  Prayers were spoken over him – prayers for his heart, prayers for his future, prayers that would follow him for years to come.   

 

A leather NIV Bible was signed by everyone and presented as a gift to commemorate our time together.  Afterwards we dug into apple pie and coffee.  Then each man gave their well wishes and drove off into the night having created a lasting memory and a giant impact.