man phases ... part III

I've been reading "The Way of the Wild Heart" and the author gives 6 phases of a man's path. When I first read this, my thoughts went back to Psychology in high school where some guy thought up the different phases of man. That was depressing and very morbid as the man progress into his elder years. I like this new path. Very grounded and very true ... a catch though! Man must allow God to work these phases out in his life or the man will go though a morbid existance.

Ok here is the path:

Boyhood:- a time of wonder & exploration; time of being the Beloved Son, the apple of your father's eye; time of affirmation

Cowboy:- time of learning the lessons of the field; time of great adventures & testing; time for hard work; time of daring & danger; time of learning that he does have what it takes

Warrior:- realizes his mission & that it is crucial; he learns to battle the kingdom of darkness is even more crucial; to be a man he must learn to live with courage, take action, go into battle

Lover:- comes to offer his strength to a woman, not to get it from her; discovers the way of the heart; awakens to beauty, to life - becomes a romantic & it takes his spiritual life to a whole new level; Serviceof God is overshadowed by inimacy WITH God

King: - will be sorely tested to use his influence in humility for the benefits of others; time for ruling over a kingdom; draws around him a company of young warriors - for he is now a father to younger men

Sage: - mission now to counsel others; his influence ought to increase; the kingdom needs him as an elder at the gates; should spend time mentoring younger men; this should be the period of their greatest contribution
Ch 2 of "The Way of the Wild Heart by John Elderidge

See why I like this path? Exactly what a girl's heart hopes for in a man. Even a mother hopes her son can be raised like this!

I read this and I began to search for the path of a girl. I have some of the parts filled in but some are missing. My thought are a brewing. I am extremely excited. However, by the time I figure out the path for myself John will write it out with his wife! I hope they do come out with a book for us girls but I will beat my chest and figure it out for myself. Maybe I will share it here.... or it just might seep into my own book.

part II