I read John Eldredge’s “Wild at Heart” recently. It was a transformational read for me. So much so, that I finished it in 2 days. In fairness, it was a short read, but the material spoke to me on a primal level.
In the book, John describes the heart of a man as a wild creature. His language about the roles of men and women inspired me. He discusses the man and woman as a joint image of God. How man uniquely personifies characteristics of God and how a woman uniquely personifies different characteristics of God. Almost as if without one or the other the image of God isn’t fully realized. Which is a nice thought, not sure where that stands theologically, but gives new meaning to the “one flesh” aspect of marriage.
Anyways, Reading this book truly re-ignited within me a flame that over time can easily burn down in all of us.
I am coming off a much needed sabbatical. I basically worked my way into a hospital. I built a few businesses that were dependent on me and the stress of professional life and the stress of my personal life tore me down the middle and I had a “short circuit” moment. The recovery from my hospital stay has served as an awakening for the “wild spirit” inside of me.
In John’s book, I am reminded that the heart of a man, this man especially, is wild. I have this image desire… I want to run my fastest, I want to get lost in the woods, I want to blaze trails.
In my opinion the “modern american life” restrains men into a position where we lose our wildness. We become emasculated under a culture that forces us to acquire obligations (different from responsibilities) and keep pace with those around us simply, because. We are sold this idea constantly that to be a man we must be, have or do something. As if how God made me isn’t enough; what God has blessed me with is somehow not enough.
I followed up this reading with a study in the YouVersion “Bible App” called “Wild Life” that is so good.
I hope you find your spirit, that you remember that God have you the heart of a wild man with instructions to tame and conquer this world!
Be well! TJL