I am reading an interesting book called “Good to Great in God’s Eyes” by Chip Ingram. I just read a chapter about how each of us should have a Mount Rushmore of 4 or 5 people who have had a positive impact in our lives. I found it to be a very though provoking chapter. These are my Mount Rushmore:
Dave – Dave is a Pastor of a church of about 250 now but was Youth Pastor years ago. He was my Youth Pastor and he made a difference in my life for Christ. Dave is not and was never the cool guy but he loves Jesus, his wife, and his family with all that is in him. He taught me what a real relationship with Christ was like. He challenged me to live a life of passion for Christ. He is still a friend and a mentor who teaches me what a Godly Christian Man looks like and acts like. He also taught me how a Pastor balances his life and cherishes his wife.
Joy – Joy is a woman who passionately reads and studies the word of God. She loves serving in Church and has shown me what a servants heart looks like. She also has taught me recently what facing fears and living life is like. She at 67 years of age decided to learn to swim of which she had a great fear of the water. She can now swim across an olympic sized pool. She also at 67 decided she wanted to serve her community and run for political office. This past Tuesday in a primary election she became her parties nominee for Jury Commissioner by winning 68% of the vote. I do not call her Joy though I have the gift of calling her Mom. She has taught much about God and living life to its fullest.
Fred – Fred has shown me what hard work is and what benefits hard work. Fred grew up on a farm working hard, worked his way through Penn State, and got a good job. Along the way he had a job and then would be laid off. He ended up working in the County Courthouse and did for years until his bosss retired. His boss was elected and so Fred either at 54 had to find a new job or run for office. Fred went to every home in all the small towns in the county and won overwhelmingly. The whole time he was working hard and teaching his sons to work hard he was also teaching them sportsmanship, how to hunt, fish, and be the man of the house. I am lucky enough to call Fred Dad.
Tim – He is a Pastor and I am not sure where because we have lost touch along the way in life but he made a lasting impression upon me. He was the first person to hire me for a ministry position. Tim hired me to be Youth Pastor and along the way of the 3 years we were together he poured his life into me. He and I memorized scripture together, the whole book of Philippians and started Psalm 119, as well as prayed together and confronted some hard issues together. He showed me the power of a Pastor who cares for the flock.
Wendy – My wife is an amazing woman. She does not think she is special at all and is really hard on herself, although I tell her otherwise. I see a woman who has no formal education but has developed a passion for teaching. She cares about the children she teaches. She cares for people and loves them. She is a great mom and a great wife. How she juggles all she does and keeps her sanity is a gift. She teaches me how to love and to look at what is important in life. She is passionate in what she does, if she does it, it will be done with passion! That is the other thing she teaches me, be passionate about what you do.
There are more I could list like my children, Chris, Roy, Todd, and others but these will do for now.
So who would be on your personal Mount Rushmore?