Conditions: Dark, cold and windy start from the ‘Hive’, but lightened up on the descent back to the ‘Hive’.
Thang: Only two HIM’s posted for the ruck this morning, Dynamite and Mani. Illness and/or injury has struck the F3 LV PAX over the last few weeks, leaving men to take care of their health first before stepping back out into the gloom. Dynamite toughed out the ruck this morning despite battling the norovirus the entire week. He felt safe leaving the porcelain throne.
The route: Shimerville Rd parking lot was ground 0. Dynamite and Mani rucked onto PA Ave -> 12th St -> Arch St -> gravel path 1/3 of a mile -> daunting 10th St up to the mailboxes just before the barn on the left hand side at the 0600 alarm went off. Flap Jack.
Mumble Chatter was had between Dynamite and Mani and spanned a multitude of topics including what the norovirus is, mode of transmission, and treatment; God’s timely provision of an employment opportunity for Dynamite; struggles with the physical aspect of the flesh with regard to intimate relationships; discussion on how God forgives and forgets our sin and the podcast Mani listened to where the pastor played out how this is illustrated and why we and others still perseverate on our sin. Essentially, God says “What sin?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” when we or someone else goes to God about our transgression(s). Dynamite and Mani also discussed the books of Leviticus and Deuteronomy and how during the Black Plague one culture followed the laws written in Leviticus and were spared from the Black Plague. Powerful work of God. This led into discussion about how people essentially see God as common and don’t give Him the glory for His original ideas and saving grace. The last point was a great reminder of why God is number one in Dynamite and Mani’s lives. Dynamite and Mani talked about what it means to be vulnerable as men and how God’s presence in song, scripture, community, etc can bring a wave of emotion over Dynamite and Mani. For Dynamite, it’s the gospel song “Freedom” by Jesus Culture feat Kim Walker-Smith. Everytime he hears that song, he breaks down because the song has so much significance to his life. Finally, a discussion was had about characteristics of a healthy intimate relationship using Mani and his M and how Dynamite and one of his female friends illustrate the same qualities, but in this season of life aren’t ready to pursue an intimate relationship.