We willingly give ourselves for the good of others – offering time and again our blood, sweat, and tears as we seek to grow our relationships and build our communities.
But occasionally we also want to be on the receiving end of strength – for someone to come through for us and all we have to do is receive.
This is the experience of the beloved son in the presence of a good father. The son has no worries as they set out for the day’s adventures. He doesn’t have to figure out meals, transportation, or logistics.
He’s with his dad and all he has to do is enjoy the day – relishing in his father’s delight and care.
As we grow we’re naturally expected to take on more responsibilities.
But our maturity as men doesn’t eliminate our desire to still be beloved sons. This is one of the many paradoxes of life – to be grown men and beloved sons at the same time.
Unfortunately, this latter is often difficult to accept and we’re prone to overcorrection.
On the one hand, our masculine bravado can cause us to reject receiving help and care from others. We don’t want to appear weak.
But we can also swing to the opposite extreme – becoming passive and completely dependent on others to come through for us.
Our challenge is to hold this tension – to fully receive care and support as beloved sons without neglecting our responsibilities as mature men.
We eventually become depleted when our life is constantly giving and we’re not also able to receive.
It’s okay to be the beloved son – for someone to pour into us while requiring nothing from us.
Live as mature men. And stay open to the ways in which you’re still God’s beloved son.
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
