This past weekend I attempted to reenact the workshop I lead at the 2022 National Samson Society Retreat (2022 Virtual Retreat). I wasn't convinced going in that Zoom could facilitate well enough for this to occur, but I was wrong. It worked beautifully.
To my delight was a workshop attendee who I've known at a cursory level for a number of years. Covertly, I've dubbed him "The Intimidator". As Mr. Nate Larkin's best bud, he's ever present within the Samson Society community, even going so far as to lead - singlehandedly (& quite adeptly, I must add) - the 2020 National Retreat.
"The Intimidator" is one of the most intelligent / articulate Samson Society guys I've ever had the good fortune to know of, but at the same time, there've been days when I simply wanted to punch his lights out (from a distance). Nonetheless, I have to admit that what tends to offset that is his willingness to admit to some of the most asinine shenanigans I've likely ever heard spoken of (by a middle-aged college-educated guy).
I must admit, all this "from a distance" observation had made for a strange understanding of this guy. An understanding that I simply had no idea might ever truly resolve itself (up close & personally).
'Till he showed up as an attendee of my virtual workshop during this past weekend's "Zoomed" retreat.
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One of my favorite (if not my favorite) Samson Society experiences is the notion of queue. And when I refer to that, I'm speaking mostly from the standpoint of participating within the virtual / National Retreat community versus a local one (though it's an experience that's applicable to either). The word queue is one of those words that's gained much use / credence via the theme park afficionado (relative to the endless line you must wait in prior to riding). The word found its initial purpose whilst describing print files, especially related to needing to print various documents all "in line" (or queue), one after the other.
The word to me though has more to do with "waiting your turn" and all the observational / anticipatory emotions therein. In essence, it's just as much about attitude / outlook as it is necessity / pragmatism.
Pertaining to Samson Society, queue embodies the idling that occurs between friendships taking shape. It represents quietness and availability and observation. Steadiness even, as you engage interpersonally within the greater community (on and onto your next friendship).
And as everyone knows, there're no shortage of opportunities within Samson Society for ever expanding friendships. Including with those you'd never believe might actually take shape.
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I realize I may be unique regarding this seemingly zealous approach to Samson Society preparedness, but I have to believe that for Samson guys who do embrace the virtual meetings / National Retreat especially, there's bound to be an inkling of similarity to Rob. As such, the possibilities are seemingly endless!
In conclusion, I now have "The Intimidator's" personal cell phone #, and we've actually chatted therein (immediately following my virtual workshop). From there, I believe we'll continue forward in due time, sharing personal stories / anecdotes in support of each other within the spirit of this great brotherhood i.e. growing our, now not from a distance, friendship.
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