Forever Strong

I recently had the priviledge of watching a movie called "Forever Strong".  It is about a high school boy who plays rugby.  He plays for his dad's team and is portrayed as the star, a tough guy, until he gets in trouble with the law and is sent to a juvenile center.  There, he is given the opportunity to play for a rival team which ( by reasons I do not remember) is an opportunity to lessen the punishment of his sentence.  He is very reluctant at first, but ultimately agrees to play. He soon finds out that this is no ordinary team: practices are more intense and fundamentally based, there are rules outside of the team ( i.e. no drinking, cheating, womanizing, etc.), and there is accountability on the team.  At first he does comply because he is slightly selfish and too cool for school, but eventually the forge of friendship and the caring nature of the team slowly transform him. The guys on his team treat him like a friend and a brother, who are looking out for his best intention and want him to be great.  He eventually becomes the captain on the team, and other things happen...but I cant spoil the ending for you:) The reason this is so relevant is because of my current state of life.  I live with four other guys who have agreed to give up 9 months of their lives to volunteer and lead retreats for youth.  Not only are they volunteering their time, but they are giving themselves to this community, a band of brothers so to say, just like in the movie.  We live under a covenant that vows that we will build each other up, live by a code of conduct, and bring each other closer to God.  I just wanted to take this time and say how much this has meant to me, and the importance of people in our lives that make us better.  Each guy brings something special into my life, I'm not sure how I am going to repay them.  The first guy, is full of laughs and stories to liven up the group, but also has a deep purpose in life; one guy is really a true friend who is willing to drop anything for you and also has a huge load of amazing talents; one guy is always seeing how to live life to the fullest, contemplating the tipbits of CS Lewis, always sharing his genuine and encouraging advice; and the last guy is one of the smartest guys I know, someone you can always come to for knowledge but also for that dead on truth you need in your life.  I always recommend people to find great people in their life because "if you want to be great hang out with great people".  Who are those people in your life that help you experience the fullness of life? Thanks you Spiritus men.

Peace,
Mark