“Wake Up and Smell the Coffee!”
by Tom Goodman
March 30, 2005

“When did you say it was?”

“Six Tuesdays at Six O’Clock.”

A pause, and then, “Uh, six o’clock a.m.?”

That’s the reaction our staff is getting from some men as we promote the Men’s Fraternity that begins next Tuesday.  When it comes to a 6:00 a.m. gathering, I understand the reluctance—believe me!  Still, there are two big reasons why men need to set their alarms early for the next six Tuesdays.

First, it will be worth it.  The Bible calls on men to be the spiritual leaders of our families, but when was the last time you got some specific help for that role?  Getting up early for six Tuesdays is worth it if the Fraternity will make you a better influence in your world.  The men of our Ministry Staff will lead you in a Bible study of what God wants of his men.  This study has proven incredibly effective in the Arkansas church where it began.

What’s more, here’s a chance to interact with other Hillcrest men from various generations—to hear their heart, to learn from their experiences, and to encourage each other in our Christian walk.

A light breakfast will be served for $3.  We’ll end by 7:15 a.m.

Second, this is the best time to do this.  Really.  Most of us have to be at work early (including the Ministry Staff).  We also know that it’s hypocrisy to take another evening away from our families to study how to be better leaders of our families!  What’s more, a meeting after work might mean missing your favorite ball game or show on TV.  The only things on TV at 6:00 a.m. are infomercials!

When you’re slow to catch on to what someone’s trying to tell you, they might say, “Hey, wake up and smell the coffee!”  You know, I think God’s saying that to a lot of us guys!  Starting next Tuesday, April 5, wake up and smell the coffee.  I’ll see you at six.

Yes . . . a.m.!

—Tom