Late, but bearing gifts.

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I simply could not move fast enough to grab edibles and be there on time.  With traffic as it was, and an accident or two to navigate on the way, I was even later.  And, instead of taking food since I didn't think I would, I ended up running into two convenience stores (one did not sell beer due to it's proximity to a school, if that law has changed, company policy is slow to catch up... yeah... I ask questions), I did buy some beer and snacks.  Again, no one ate.  Though it is difficult to eat in a meeting where we are really involved with plans, hopes, dreams, and sorting these things out.  There is a notion that having an half hour social hour before the meeting might be the way to go.

Late, as I said.  Very late, a good 20-30 minutes.  Now our meetings often go three hours, so...  Though that may be changing, with officers meeting either on another night to sort out what will be brought to the general members for voting and further discussion or such.  But bearing jewels (officer jewels for the stations of leadership) and food and drink, plus a KoC flag, softened the blow.  Still, they don't like late comers.  I would have skipped save I had to... show up and at least represent the office I co-hold with another man.  So bearing shame is the price of office at times.  Oh, since the group will provide the flagstaff and stand, I didn't ask for any returns.  That money would have just gone for the flagstaff and stand anyway, so...

I also, again, in the full group, let it be known that I would be more than willing to start calling lapsed members, as the retention officer.  I am hoping, if that is successful though, that we can get a larger room for our meeting.  As is we are in a small classroom.  Ten guys in there pretty much eat up the oxygen and heat the place like a sauna.  In any case, it looks like this will be going forward.  I need to contact one of the officers in about two weeks.  Until then he is quite busy.  Fair enough, and I have marked it in my smartphone calendar.  I have all day of little or nothing.  And while I can't do what others can, I can call men and discuss... whatever.  I have no intention of being a bully.  I hate that type of call.  But if I can be a friend, let them know we could use them and miss their fellowship, and maybe get to know a few of the guys...  I would enjoy that.  Whether they return to the meetings or not.  Oh, and I expect some... awkward calls.  I know what it is to hide myself. 

I see the KoC not as a 'social group' but as the engine for real charitable work.  I see it as a device.  And while I definitely enjoy the company of fellows who I hope are on the same or a similar path, that isn't the majority of it, just a fruit off the tree.  I will do what I can to grow that tree.  I hate to say it, but the Church is, and maybe always was, more for women.  I still need to go more often, true, if that isn't quite the issue.  There needs to be a place for men.  We are doers, thinkers, planners, makers.  We are actionable.  And, no doubt, women not only can be but are, they are in a much more passive... different... manner.  Men need our own pasture lands within the confines of the Church, and this is it.  A place were we can be productive, creative, entrepreneurial, for a common good.  Charity not at the end of a gun, like taxes and redistribution.  And we can choose who receives through means that make sense.  Yes, the engine must be primed, stoked, fired.  Oil must be checked, drive train checked, and finally it will produce. 

Next meeting the recorder will be absent.  He has asked me to fill in for him, so I told him I would.  It was murder getting to this meeting, but perhaps my sleeping patterns will have altered enough that this won't be as much of an issue next month as this month.  I simply couldn't get going, and woke up so very late to boot.  Ah well, I did what I could.  And it was appreciated.

Hmm, off to... tinker.  The meetings always fill my mind with all the business related to charity events, regulating money, making contacts and appointments, and meeting needs as a group, an individually, and personally.  I need time to relax, to come down.  That can take a long time, almost as bad as when I physically heat up.  Meh, it's all good.