Mentors

I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well. (2 Timothy 1:4)

Mentors show us what is possible. Left to ourselves, unchallenged, we are lethargic. We all need gifted people in our lives that are generous with their wisdom and talents. We need people who do not shy away from pouring their life into us.

My parents taught me to never quit and that determination and a friendly spirit will help you overcome a lot of your own mistakes. I saw a kid get pegged in the eye during a baseball game, actually it was game 1 of a seemingly 165 game little league season. After I saw Keith get hit in the eye I wanted to quit. My dad wouldn't let me. He knew I was terrible, but he didn't allow me to quit on my teammates. I have been metaphorically hit in the eye many times in 13 years of serving as a pastor; I'm still at the plate!

My grandmother Truelove (isn't that a great name), taught me that the Bible breathes and that its stories are written in color. I believe my existence in the ministry and my style of preaching comes from my grandmother. Pat Bishop taught me that God has a will for your life. I bought it, hook, line, and sinker. She was right. Wayne Hamrick taught me how to get things done, yet somehow from time to time, I still feel like a truck parked 8 feet from the dock. Sorry Bro. Wayne, I'm still working on that one.

We need mentors, people who set a precedent in our lives, a pattern for living. If you have some experience, perhaps you need to be a mentor. Be generous with your wisdom and talents. It takes time to be a mentor. It takes time to be mentored. Who is pouring their life into you? What are they teaching? Who are you pouring your life into? Where are they headed?