I was reading this
post on gratitude from Craig Groeschel today. It spurred my mind a bit and caused me to reflect on the people in my life who have impacted me...in my relationship with God, in my leadership, in my family, etc. Here are some thoughts...and this is not an exhaustive list by any means...
1. My wife. She is my best friend. And over the past year and this journey of going full-time in ministry, that friendship and our love has only grown stronger. Seriously, she is amazing. I'd go anywhere with her and the kids. She constantly stands in the gap for me in prayer, encouraging me, and listening to the ups and downs of ministry. I love her with my whole heart. Not to mention, she led me to Christ, as my then-girlfriend in high school. A very cool heritage for our family.
2. My Dad. I watched him coach and lead others for years, and as I coach nowadays, I often think of him. In how he always had hope for kids, no matter the junk they had in their life. As a Dad, he always stopped what he was going to spend time with me, and made us kids a priority despite the demands of his career. That has impacted the way I parent Maddy and Eli.
3. My friend Nathaniel. He was my first friend that really lived out Christ for me. He invited me to church, concerts, and his house, and helped me to first understand what being a Christian was about. It set the stage for me to accept Christ later in high school.
4. My high school basketball coach. Once again, he lived out Christ to me. He demonstrated self-control despite the circumstances, that when things go wrong for me, kicking the basketball across the gym or hitting something isn't a good first step. :) And I needed that then, and I need that now. To keep an even keel as a husband, a father, a friend, a pastor and a coach. I want my attitude and character to be more and more Christ-like as I get older.
5. Pastor Bob. God used Bob as an instrument to call Heather and I out for ministry. That life is more than just getting up, going to work, coming home, and doing it all again. He spoke encouragement and challenge into my life, that still resounds in my life. He took the time to disciple and grow me as a leader.
And this short list doesn't include the many friends who currently speak into my life. They listen, they encourage, they pray for, they defend, they challenge, they inspire, they walk this life together with Heather and I. I'm not even going to try and mention them. You know who you are, and you're vital to our lives.
And it also doesn't include the various church leaders, some I know as a friend, others, I know only through reading their books, blogs, or listening to them, but I soak up their wisdom, creativity, and faith into my life.
Who has impacted your life? Better yet...how are you allowing God to use your life to impact others?
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