With another great weekend under my belt, I’m hanging out at the Nashville airport for a few hours before the flight home. You know it’s Nashville because “Tootsies Orchid Lounge” – right behind me – is featuring some up-and-coming (or at least “there and singing”) guitar and voice artist at close to max volume.

One of the consistently uplifting features of these weekend conferences I resource is the unique personality of each group. Pick any collection of 25 guys and the vibe is going to be different every time. Significantly.

This particular conglomeration of men had perhaps the best age spread I’ve seen. Literally aged 18-80, there were guys from every decade and with a solid concentration in the 30’s. And it was these “thirty-somethings” who stepped forward Sunday morning to make the commitment to take responsibility for the weekend next year.

SYNERGY: But it was Saturday night, late, when the stars aligned and the true “this is a retreat and we’re all deliciously relaxed” moment emerged. I had completed the evening teaching (not bad), then the small-group session wrapped up (really, really excellent), and we all drifted toward our rooms and a good night’s sleep…

…But instead, one by one, we all ended up on the broad deck behind the rooms on the top-level. By the time I arrived there were guitars, blues edged songs, various libations, and several cigars. And, as the huge moon  broke in and out from behind the clouds, a couple of dozen good men shared stories, jokes, concerns, prayers, insights and faith in the context of their church family and the faithfulness and love that unites them.

This is exactly why I pretty much always say, “Yes,” when someone offers me an  uncomfortable journey and a long wait at an airport to speak at their retreat.

It was evening on the second day, and, “Behold,” the retreat leader said, “this is very good.”