Appreciating men AND women

First it was Polish jokes. When poking fun at cultures became politically incorrect, blonds picked up the brunt of appearing empty-headed. Close after came humor bashing men. Lawyer-knocking jokes still make the rounds. Wit making seniors look foolish enjoys popularity as well.

While I confess to having chuckled at the novelty of each appearing joke group, it dawned on me that bashing people groups isn’t friendly. And, even though some of the jokes are really funny, I don't want to be part of putting others down.

This is because I tremendously value what the women in my life (Polish, blond, and otherwise) share – empathy, concern, wisdom, joy, encouragement, nurturing, honesty, helpfulness, flexibility.

And I love what men bring to the mix – breadth of vision, spontaneity, adventure, quirkiness, humor, dependability, respect, thoughtfulness, generosity.

I have a dear lawyer relative, and his stability, kindness, caring and goodness mean all the world to me.

And seniors -- those gentle, wise, active folks who have been around the block a few times, are always there with help and advice. Even the curmudgeons have marshmallow hearts.

For that matter, I treasure my Presbyterian, Methodist, Catholic, Christian Science, Baptist, agnostic, and other friends whose worship I may not know, for the honesty, cheer, and daily dedication they bring to our relationships.

Since I credit God as the source of all that's good in life, I thank Him/Her for this wonderful variety of people who so enrich my days and years.

I take heart in the diversity with which God expresses His love and comfort for letting us help each other. This world isn’t always an easy one, and we need one another to strengthen our journeys with hope, courage, joy, and the confidence that we each have something worthwhile to contribute.

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Keep out of debt altogether,

except that personal debt of love

which we owe one another.

If you love your fellow man

you have carried out all your obligations.

Paul to his Roman friends

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Applauding manhood

June 17 celebrates Father's Day in the US, and so I want to use this opportunity to applaud all the men in my life.

Not individual portraits -- fun and worthy though that would be -- such a listing would fill many posts. So we'll have to be content to view a collective snapshot.

• A good sense of humor. They know how to laugh at themselves.
• They are hard workers.
• Honest. They are what they seem, and they are comfortable with who they are.
  
• Thoughtful and considerate, they are willing to listen when their women need to be heard.
• They play with their kids, and enjoy their grandkids.
• Solution oriented, they meet adversity by looking for the way forward.
• They forgive. They don't hold grudges. This has to be what I am most grateful for, because in any diverse group of people, toes get stepped on. And I've stepped on more than my share. And have been so grateful to have been forgiven every time -- well, so far as I know.
• Progress. A willingness to let the past rest in the past as everyone moves forward
• Broad vision. One of the best aspects of manhood -- to see the bigger picture and make decisions on that basis.
• Generous. That generous spirit that says Yes to new ideas, Yes to spontaneity, Yes to spouse's sometimes outrageous whims.
• Kind. Ready to lend a hand where there's an honest need.
• Wise. Discerning when to say yes, when to say no.
  
• Community oriented. They participate in the communities of their various interests.
• Respectful. Though sometimes, perhaps often, amused, they respect women's uniqueness and support their endeavors.
• Good conversationalists. How I appreciate those sparkling idea-based conversations.
• Nurturers. They know or have learned how to nurture the best in those around them.
• Patient with the foibles of the other sex.
  

These spiritual qualities shine and bless. They define true manhood, and point to their source, the Maker of the universe.

Thanks guys, for being there. Too often we gals gripe and complain about things that usually are not all that important. So when we step back and appreciate your contribution to our lives, we can agree, you're the greatest!