Sunday, May 27, 2007

Random thoughts

A few weeks ago, Kids Klub ended. I teach 5th and 6th grade boys with a military theme. They love it - I love it. Our end of year show was about King David and his mighty men...they stuck together (most of the time). They relied on God. They were real men...men's men.

Life kind of exploded after that night. Sometimes life does that. And sometimes I write too much here. In life, like in battle, explosions are rule - not the exception. I gather my strength by embracing the pressure, feeling it, and expressing it (sometimes in words on this page). Sometimes that's hard for my friends. My life has been blessed with other men. A ranger buddy, a wingman, and a prayer partner (see below for all). ...and a father. Segway. I work for a college managing construction. We went right from graduation (May 15th) to construction with a 2 day trip to NYC in the middle. Personal matters were further burdening my life. Somewhere in the fury of it all, I called my day, and never gave it another thought. Until last week. My secretary yelled in, "It's your father." My father? I wondered if someone died. "I know you're busy, but I just wanted to call and say I'm praying for you. How are things going?" The call was short, I was late for a meeting. But the impact was immense. He was there. My wingman and my prayer partner were there too. And so many others. Sometimes the battle is won by the force with the stronges will and the greatest encouragement. And sometimes it's won because of close air support. I guess I'm blessed...I have both.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

New York City

Tuesday at 5PM we were supposed to be bound for the Big Apple. It was more like 6:30 when we actually left. Something wrong in JFK...there's always something wrong in JFK. We arrived unscathed, and quickly boarded the limo - yes, that's right - the limo! While riding into the city for a dinner I successfully lead a covert mutiny (changing the architects plans from "comfort food" dining to a top notch steak joint. Heroically, though feebly, I support my architect and all her efforts in setting up the dinner...but successfully infiltrated the the steak venue...mutiny successful! (I considered it further victory when the young lady sitting next to me said, "you should have tried harder to support Pam, but it was a good decision.")

...to be continued

Saturday, May 12, 2007

The Friday Video

Tom is the father of a Rock Star. No, really, and I have an authorized bootleg CD...it's not piracy if the artists father gives it to you - right?! It's cool to have a celebrity on the team - or at least his father. Tom's an artist, and whenever I get really out of sorts I go and look at his white board; so many lines, and colors and thoughts that somehow unwinds itself into architecture. It's kind of a Zen thing...if you know what I mean, but acknowleging that I don't believe in Zen : ). Finally, let's get to the title...in comes Tom at 5:30PM and says, "It's Friday Video time," and takes me on our second brief pilgrimage to youtube.com. I'm not sure if twice counts for a weekly tradition yet, but I'm hopeful!

Enjoy the Friday Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pv5zWaTEVkI

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Mighty men!

"Who are you"
"WE'RE SERGEANT BUTTON'S MIGHTY MEN!" they yelled at the top of their lungs (in case the bold type didn't give that away).
Then we acted out King David's mighty men. "Scare the women and children," I commanded them, and my mighty men let out a grown that made me proud." I challenged the crowd, "are you scared?" "No," they laughed. "Again," I demanded of them. Another growl, this one sent shivers down my back. To the crowd I now get serious..."I build for a living, structures that will stand for 200 years. It's rewarding, but that dims in comparison to the work I do with your sons. Thank you for honoring me with them this year."

And then it was the fathers turn to be uncomfortable. I get them for two years, 5th and 6th grades. The fifth grader get promoted to Sergeant from Pea Brain Pond Scums. And the Sergeants...they get promoted from "Sergeant to young men...I can't promote you so easily to men however, you fathers are supposed to do that." A pause. "But if your fathers aren't up to the task, come back and see me, and I'll take care of it." I was going for the Top Gun thing, you know, "if you don't get your rear at your duty station, call me, I'll fly with you anytime." I hope the dads squirmed just a little, knowing if they don't call their sons to be men, that someone else will. Some will think, 'I didn't even know I was supposed to.' And the boys, I know they heard the call clearly. Boys are to become men, and a man has to bestow that honor upon them. The question then is simple, 'what man?'

That's what I do...

Sunday, May 6, 2007

Airborne!

http://picasaweb.google.com/cjbuttonmeister/Airborne

Life can be hard...or Prayer Partners

This is an entry I've waited way to long to write. I have a Ranger Buddy - see way below. And I have a Wing Man - also see way below. The point is, as a man, I need other men in my life to keep me strong, sharp and balanced. They challenge me, encourage me and keep me accountable... Proverbs 27:17 says, "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

Most Wednesday mornings at 6AM I get together with a guy from church. Sometimes we just talk. Sometimes we just pray. And every once in a while we just sit there and look at each other suspiciously. We always bust on each. But what's most important is that we know each others stuff. Our pastor always say, "you need at least one person in your life who knows enough about you to put you in jail." Chip could put me in jail...I consider myself safe because I could send him there as well. We know each others family, children, fears, concerns...stuff. You know what I mean by "stuff" right. We draw close and distant in the ebb and flow of time and business, but in my heart I always know he's there holding me up, holding me accountable to the high calling we each have in Christ Jesus. I thank God nearly every day for my prayer partner - for Chip - and for the men in my life like him. We can't do it alone, and we were never meant to. Thanks brother...from my heart.