How does a man’s relationship thinking change over time? What is the difference between young, male, self-absorbed thinking and senior, male, Jesus-loving thinking?

Here is the thinking of some men (25ish) who want a relationship.

• I want you to enjoy me
• Be pleased with me
• Bring me pleasure
• Make me feel loved
• Pretend there are no problems
• Or, at least distract me from them
• Accept me as I am
• Don’t point out my flaws
• Make my weaknesses unimportant
• Enjoy me like crazy
• I want you to just be happy
• And, make me happy

Older, Christian men (65ish) who have found relationship love to be hit-and-miss, hot, cold and lukewarm. So,

• They have turned to the Heavenly Father for help
• Their thinking includes
• Father, you are the only consistent source of love
• Thanks for walking with me daily
• My relationship with you fills me
• Being loved allows me to flow out love to others
• Thank you for always being interested in me
• You are the ultimate, 24-hour relationship partner
• My wife loves me the best she knows how
• But she’s also a flawed, imperfect human
• You know I want to be loved on daily
• So, between my wife’s love and your love, that is enough.
• Help me flow out great love to my wife, children, the elderly, and the unloved.
• Finally, help my emotional system to run on love, peace, rest, and joy.

Prayer

Father, thank you that I am growing up. Forgive me for the times I practiced foolish thinking. I need your grace and mercy. And, thanks for being there even when I was young and thought I had all the answers. Allow me to continue and thank you for being with me as I age and ask deeper questions. Thank you for your never ending relationship and love. In Jesus’ name. Amen

Bible Connection

Let your lives be without love of money, and be content with the things you have. For He has said: “I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5 (