When April steps aside for May,
Like diamonds all the raindrops glisten,
Fresh violets open every day,
To some new bird each hour we listen.

SIt’s May! May is named for the Roman goddess Maia, who ruled over the growth of plants. Be like a flower and turn your face to the sun! Welcome to the May newsletter.

The Man in the Glass

A poem was emailed to me about ten years ago titled, "The Man in the Glass”. The author was listed as unknown. It’s really a nice poem and was used by many to address men’s issues and today’s male. Here is the text of that poem:

When you get what you want in your struggles for self
And the world makes you king for a day,
Just go to a mirror and look at yourself
And see what that man has to say.

For it isn't your father or mother or wife
Whose judgment upon you must pass,
The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life
Is the one staring back from the glass.

Some people might think you're a straight-shooting chum
And call you a wonderful guy.
But the man in the glass says you're only a bum
If you can't look him straight in the eye.

He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest
For he's with you clear to the end
And you've passed your most dangerous test
If the guy in the glass is your friend.

You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years
And get pats on the back as you pass
But your final reward will be heartache and tears
If you've cheated the man in the glass.

Whoever wrote it thought well and addressed a good issue. If a man thinks he is living a good life but he took some wrong turns on his path, he will feel guilt when he looks at himself in the mirror. That is, only if the man in the glass has a conscience. Such a poem is very useful when addressing problems a man faces in life. At least it’s a step in the right direction.

I’ve had many dark times in my life when the words of an insightful poet brought me back from doing something rash. That is partly why I like to reserve a spot in each newsletter for a poem. Poets have a gift from God and I deeply respect that. I have never been able to write poetry so I pass along good ones I find along the way.

Yes, poetry is a great gift from God and food for thought but today’s male and everyone in his life needs more than poetry. We all need to be able to face the one we see in the mirror every day. We need to ask if we did our best to get where we are and are we truly deeply happy with what we have.

The Bible has the tools needed to live a good life and feel good about that face in the glass. However, if you are new to the Bible, you will be overwhelmed looking for answers or guidance. Start out simple and relax with the Psalms and Proverbs. They are poetic and insightful and not hard to follow.

As the whirlwind passeth, so [is] the wicked no [more]: but the righteous [is] an everlasting foundation.
Proverbs 10:25

In those passages, you will be able to build a strong foundation to guide you through life. The thing is though, that it’s not that hard to please the man in the glass but without a strong foundation and proper guidance, the man in the glass may be the only one you please. If the Lord likes what he sees, the glass is irrelevant.

I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies.
Psalms 119:59

I took many wrong turns and there were times I couldn’t even please the man in the glass; how could I possibly think that I could have pleased the Lord? I’m physically weaker than I was then but spiritually I’m stronger than ever before. I have strengthened my foundation tenfold by giving my life to the Lord.

Now, when I look at the man in the glass, I pray that Jesus will smile on my efforts of the day. What the man in the glass thinks doesn’t matter anymore.