Who has impacted your walk with God?

What would you tell them?

This question came to mind this past Sunday. I think of the verse in Philippians (1:3). It reminds us to thank God every time we remember others. I am aware that those are not the exact words in Philippians, but we do need to thank God every time we remember someone, especially someone who has had an impact upon our faith journey.

I take the time to send a daily devotion. There were days when I failed, and that was when I realized I needed a sabbatical from the daily devotionals. Just because I took a sabbatical from my daily devotions didn’t mean I stopped thinking about those who have had a huge impact on my ministry.

If the disciples had access to the technology we have today, I wonder how many text messages and phone calls they would make? I wonder how many emails they would share?

I wonder how many would be affected by their ministry?

The New Testament, our Christian Scriptures, is filled with texts. Not the kind we send to each other, but maybe we should send a few. In these passages, we should share brief, personal messages with those we know.

I think about the papyrus they used in Biblical times. It has taken centuries to get those messages out. Today’s technology would allow us to share it across the globe in minutes.

Why do I think this matters?

I think of those who shared their faith with me. They shared the joys, the invitations, and even the moments of grief and pain. What they provided me with was an understanding that Grace is never abstract. It often arrives among those we know. They touch our hearts and minds in ways that we often can’t explain.

I think about Rick. He spent forty years mentoring me. It took me many years to realize what he was doing. He wasn’t bombarding me with Scripture; he was present as a friend. We talked about my faith journey. We discussed theological reflection and pondered questions like: What is the world like if…

Rick provided me with small acts of theological honesty about why we are on earth and what we are supposed to do with ourselves. Rick showed me that the journey of faith was not a straight path and that it was okay to explore to know exactly what life’s meaning was for myself.

Rick taught me the importance of presence. His presence with me was his way of love, support, and guidance. He taught me that I was not going to gain faith on my own. He showed me that there are always people who have been placed in your path of discovery.

Rick was diagnosed with cancer. I never got the chance to thank him for his mentorship. But I discovered some important life lessons from him.

I learned that it is important to ask questions. To allow faith to lead your journey. That prayer is what begins the journey. That there are positive things and negative things, so how do you see them in a way that will make your life or the world better?

I learned that not everything negative is bad. That not everything positive is good. Exploring the two leads you to understand something in your life.

Rick’s death reminded me that we need to share more with those around us. I may not be able to share with Rick, but I can with others. I can also encourage others to express their gratitude to those who have impacted their lives.

If there is someone in your life who has shaped your walk with God, the appropriate thing to do is say thank you. Then the next thing you need to know is that you need to become that person for someone else. 2 Timothy reminds us that faithful people will be able to teach others.

Don’t let the chain break. Be thankful. Share your gratitude. Inspire someone. Most of all, thank the people who touched your life and strengthened your faith.