Shout out...

...to all the wonderful people who have stood beside me, supported me from behind or led me to new heights.

It struck me tonight, as I re-read my last entry, that while there've been Christ-followers who've really hurt me, there are many more who've really blessed me, and who've shown me the face of Jesus in so many ways. (And God forbid that any of them think I was writing about them when lamenting those that have wounded me).

So please allow me to say a few words of thanks to God and to men. This is not an exhaustive list by any means, but these are some of the people who've been great blessings to me:

Mom and Dad: I believe that the trajectory of a life is set early on and I couldn't have asked for better guiding hands during those early years. So much of who I am, I owe to you ... so much of what I like about myself, is there because you put it there and made it grow.

Emily Frierson: You led me to Christ under a tree next to the Deanery. Where would I be without you, Emily, wherever you may be? (I haven't seen or heard from her in about 12 years).

Bart Irwin: I think you're the reason that I'm a Christ-follower and not just a church-attender. The two years you spent with me set the course for the rest of my life ... you took me beyond being a "convert" into being a "disciple".

Dan Bredbenner and Kevin Hass: faithful friends for nearly 15 years now. Nobody not related to me has been as devoted to me as you two. No matter how far apart we've been physically, or how infrequently we talk on the phone, I know you've always got my back. And that's such a great feeling.

Brent Vallee, Liz Hass, Kate Bredbenner, Wendy Vallee: Because of the two guys above, I got to meet all of you, and I'm so much richer for it! My friends have such great taste in friends (and wives) and I relish being the recipient of so much fruit from these relationships.

Andy and Brenda Burgess: I have only one set of natural parents, but I've had several spiritual parents ... and you guys are definitely that. You have been in every role -- you have led, supported and walked beside. You have sheltered me -- in every sense of the word -- and helped me to grow up in the Lord. You have shown me unbelievable generosity and unconditional love.

Chris Frank: You have been my fellow pilgrim, my companion in many a trial, tribulation and rollicking good time! I feel like I've enjoyed every minute I've ever spent with you and experienced the fullness of a joyful life so often in your company. Life just seems to be more fun when you're around. (We have got to find a way to hang out again)! (Oh, and you also married a gem ... Anne, my time with you has also always been enriching and, well ... Louisville Billy Club).

James Kim: You are my Paul; I am your Timothy. I thank God that I knew what I had when I had it -- and that I never took for granted the wonderful mentorship you offered to me. You walked me through the post-field haze and confusion, brought clarity, unlocked talent, coached through weakness, offered opportunity and helped me discover and realize my potential. You've led me better than anyone else I've ever met -- and pretty much everything I know about leadership I learned from you (and Jesus of course).

Naomi: You know me better than anyone else on this planet, and yet you're still here. So you've shown me the meaning of commitment, courage and faith. You steady me and keep me grounded. You've brought a stability to my life that has freed me up to grow in areas that had been too-long neglected as a single man. You see in me things I don't see in myself and challenge me to live an open and honest life before God and others. You've shown me love and helped me know how to love. You've given me an amazing son ... a flesh and blood representation of all that's good about US. You are here ... ever-present ... never failing -- and in this I see the face of God.

Thank God for all of you. Thank you for who you are to me! I am richly blessed to know you and be known by you.