Tag Archives: Glory Days

The Cave of Contentment

Posted on November 27, 2016 by expressyourself4him

As you walk through various doors in life, you will eventually come across the cave of contentment.  Although this place is not a physical location, the emotions you experience will make you feel at ease, comfortable and perhaps tinkled pink.  Yet, instead of continuing your journey, some refuse to leave, content with who and where you are.

The Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD, and for seven years he gave them into the hands of the Midianites, Judges 6:1.

One of the byproducts of visiting this place is complacency.  Sure, a weekend getaway can recharge your internal batteries.  However, any kind of extended stay will cause you to become stagnant, limiting your options in life.  Bruce Springsteen sings about a similar state in his classic song Glory Days.  Graduates from high school reflect their former life, back in the day, just like visiting the cave of contentment.

Because the power of Midian was so oppressive, the Israelites prepared shelters for themselves in mountain clefts, caves and strongholds, Judges 6:2.

Unfortunately, when Israel decided to stop at the cave of contentment during the reign of Judges, life drastically changed.  This decision allowed evil to creep into their lives.  Subsequently, God humbled Israel through an oppressive ruler.  Anyone who makes an attempt to stop growing today will face a similar fate.  Although resting a while may be beneficial, trusting in previous achievements without moving forward is a step in the wrong direction.  Therefore, follow the leadership of Gideon who the Lord used to rescue Israel from the cave of contentment.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

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Taking A Back Seat To Your Children

Posted on June 9, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noWdKwHCJA0

In my younger days, naive and immature, I cared more about my men’s softball team than my oldest son’s T-Ball game.  Thus, as other men were coaching and influencing my son James, I got lost in trying to relive and hold on to my youth.  Learning the hard way, I realized Father Time couldn’t be beaten before I took a back seat where my children could be in the forefront.

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, Philippians 2:3.

Unfortunately, too many young men never see the light, blinded by selfish ambition.  Fueled by pride, egos cause adults to remain the center of attention, long after their own high school graduation.  While hanging out in bars reminiscing about the Glory Days, far too many children are growing up without a role model to emulate.  Subsequently, teenagers often look toward pop culture to find meaning in life, only to be disappointed in the long run.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, John 10:10.

After hearing the phrase “its better to give than receive” countless times throughout life, I finally tasted a piece of this fruit over the weekend.  As a proud parent on Sunday, watching my children all place in the top 3 of their age group, with James earning first, 11th overall, in the 2015 Blue Hen 5K, I realized all those times I went jogging with my kids finally paid off.  Although I was the only one in the family who didn’t medal, it didn’t matter.  I found joy in taking a back seat to my children, observing each one begin to find their niche, place and calling in life.  If you haven’t taken your seat, find one soon.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Sizzling Out When Adversity Comes

Posted on May 20, 2015 by expressyourself4him

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-sUKoKQlEC4

Whether you’re watching a race horse set a torrid pace in the Triple Crown, a rabbit fade from the front during a mile race or witness a running back get tackled from behind, energy is temporary.  When the body is pushed to its limits, burn out is inevitable.  Thus, high school and college stars often sizzle out when adversity comes.  The real question is will they get back up to tarry on another day?

We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed – 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.

Nobody likes facing adversity.  Sure, it builds character, toughens up individuals and separates champions from the mediocre.  Nonetheless, failure is real, around the corner, over the next hill or awaiting you in the future.  How you handle trials will determine the path you choose in life.  Will you become the person in Bruce Springsteen’s song reminiscing about your Glory Days or can you mustard up enough courage to face the giant obstacles standing in your way?

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you, 1 Peter 5:10.

Unfortunately, this generation appears to be soft, throwing in the towel after the first couple of punches life hits you with.  Others take years to get over missed opportunities, rejections and personal tragedy.  Perhaps, this is why the author of Hebrews refers to life as a marathon.  You must be careful to pace yourself, realizing you have a long way to go despite whatever set backs you may encounter.  Therefore, don’t sizzle out when adversity comes.  Rather, keep in step with the Holy Spirit, relying on Christ’s strength to get you through the pain you are enduring, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Moment to Moment

Posted on April 4, 2013 by expressyourself4him

When you reach a certain age, time seems to reach warp speed.  If you blink, you might miss a week, month or year.  Thus, as I approach the big 50, I need to slow down, living moment to moment.

As a high school student, back in the Glory Days, I possessed a vibrant spirit, embracing each second with friends or enjoying special events.  However, along the journey of life, I’ve lost my youthful exuberance.  Instead of cherishing and savoring memories, I’ve turned into a grumpy old man who has lost his joy for living.

From a biblical perspective, all I can do is to develop a James 4:13-15 mindset.  My inner child longs for the days of old, living care free, without any concern or worry for tomorrow.  While change won’t happen over night, I am seeking to revive my soul by living moment to moment!

by Jay Mankus

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