Thank Your Mentors!

George Mueller once admitted that he had never thanked God for his socks. He promptly rectified the situation by turning a grateful heart toward his Heavenly Father for this arguably insignificant (by comparison) blessing. My take-a-way when I first ran across this story about Mueller: if only all I had forgotten to thank God for was my socks!

The reality is, there are soooo many things I take for granted every day and so many times I neglect to say thanks.  Galatians 6:6 reminds me of one more.

The one who is taught the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him.  Galatians 6:6 NASB

Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor. Galatians 6:6 NIV

This admonition reminds me to demonstrate gratitude to those who have spiritually invested in me. My list of investors is long, beginning with my mom and dad who taught me about Jesus and took me to His house in diapers. My Sunday School teacher, Mrs. Phala Jones – the one who handed out powdery,  football-shaped lemon drops that lasted all the way through big church. She first taught me to trust a BIG God and first introduced me to Amy Carmichael.

Pastor Paul Luttrell’s influence powerfully impacted my character and understanding of ministry as I spent time with him aboard the Good News Bus. A refurbished schoolbus – no seats. Just carpet on the floor. One collapsible puppet stage and a menagerie of stuffed friends. Several gospel magic tricks. A Bible story flip chart along with a variety on songs on poster board. Pretty simple, really. The strategy: roll into the projects of Greensboro’s inner-city, gather a crowd of kids, energetically present the Gospel and return every day that week for more of the same. 

There’s my list of Moody Bible Institute professors who poured and pounded God’s precious truth into my young mind. I’m also blessed with many dear, true friends who sharpen and encourage me to live and look more like Jesus than I did yesterday.

I’d have to say that my hubby tops my list of those who have built into me spiritually. His consistent, humble walk with Jesus continues to disciple me 20 years after saying “I do.”

So, to all of these, I pause to utter a profound thank you. I am forever changed because of your investment. You are some of God’s best gifts to me.

This Thanksgiving season,  you might want to give Galatians 6:6 another read and pass along your gratitude to your Lord and to those servants He has placed in your life to grow you up in Him!