Reaching out

Reading 1 Gal 3:1-5
Responsorial Psalm Lk 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75
Gospel Lk 11:5-13

This story is often told with the lesson in being persistent.  But what about the man with the bread,  why would he say no to his friend? 

Was he depressed? Maybe he was scared about his finances,  or maybe one of his children was sick.  Maybe this was the third night in a row he couldn't fall asleep and was in the middle of feeling very frustrated about it. 

We'll never know. 

What I do know is that we as humans were made to be in relationship with other people and with God.  If either of these relationships is not intimate,  we are more probable to be the guy who says,  "Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed."

My connections with other men and the sharing of my microscopic truths about the scary things in my life (money,  childhood abuse,  etc),  the sad things in my life (my son's handicap,  my marriage struggles,  etc)  and my joys and excitement; allow me to live a connected life.  I am never too far along in isolation. 

As a result of my commitment to these relationships,  I want to believe my heart is always ready to say yes to the knock / request at non-linear times. 

I'm grateful I have 5 or so men who I talk independently with 3 -  6 times a week.  It is these men who keep my heart from isolation. 

This has been my greatest gift in recovery, keeping connected with other men who are committed to be in a relationship where we share our microscopic joy,  scare,  fear,  anger and  tenderness.  Thank you men.