This story represents 100 emotionally stunted men. It’s written as a single story. Most importantly it’s written at the point when a man experiences an awakening.

I’ve lived my whole life using logic and behavior. That’s all I’ve known. Logic helps me understand how things work, and behavior helps me fix things. But there seems to be something missing. At least that’s what others tell me. They say, I’m cold and distant, unemotional, and they would rather know me.

My first response has been to just laugh. But it’s happened so often, I’ve started asking myself, what are they trying to tell me? I’ve thought long and hard about what I’ve heard. If I had to summarize the weak areas that have been pointed out to me, they are: compassion, nurturing, empathy, knowing someone, and passion.

(This is what I wished he said next)

The people I’m remembering all loved me. They were kind and nurturing. They were passionate about what they were saying. Each one repeated, I want to know you. There was so such compassion in their eyes.

(This a man’s awakening moment.)

Maybe I should listen. I’m not that happy, and these are my friends. What if I have a blind spot? What if I’m missing something? I know this about myself; As soon as an encounter turns emotional, I run. Lots of my relationships had the same ugly ending. She was unhappy, feeling disconnected, and left. What if I am over-using logic, over-fixing, and under-connecting?

Prayer

Father, help me in the area of emotional growth. I know, I don’t know things. And this is an area that I do not know. Thank you that I can tell you my vulnerabilities and you understand. Please give me wisdom and blessings in the area of emotional growth. Amen.

Bible Connection

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. – James 1:5 (LSB)