Just as big as my fascination with JFK (by far my favorite President – more for the mystic around Kennedy, less about his politics), I have a huge love for the Rat Pack. Started in the ’50s with Humphrey Bogart and his friends, the ’60s took the group to the form that I am most familiar with (in large part because Bogart died in 1957). The ’60s Rat Pack consisted of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, and briefly Norman Fell. These men were a close knit group that did so much together and entertained millions of people around the world with their music and laughter.
Looking at the Rat Pack and how long their friendships lasted and all that they did together, it made me think of my Rat Pack. Who are those close to me and how do I maintaing that closeness?
I’ve discovered many things about myself over the past 3-4 years and one thing that I really discovered is that I need a Rat Pack. I can’t do this life alone. I know that we are taught that the Lord is always there for me and will always reveal himself to me, and I believe that and know that to be true. But, from a physicality perspective, I have realized that I need a few to walk through life with me.
So, as I examined my life, I realized that I have a few in my pack and honestly, without them, I’d be a whole lot hotter mess than I am (I’ve been called a hot mess before). They are my sounding board, my confidants, the people I yell at/with, the people I have fun with, and the people that help keep me going.
So, who is in your “Rat Pack”? Who are those men or women closest to you that will stand with/by you for life? If you have one, TAKE A MINUTE right now and share what you appreciate most about your pack. If you don’t what do you need to do right now to start forming one?
Believe me, married or not, walking through life with some close knit friends is beyond priceless.]]>