leaving a mark

Every Tuesday at 4 Troy, Mike, and I meet to recap last week's ignite (our student ministry) and begin to prepare for the next week. This week, as like most, we were all over the map in our discussion. I really do value the time I share with these two guys and it is an absolute joy to serve along side the two of them. We began to talk about the impact that Mike is starting to see us have in the lives of the students. This is always good for me to hear because I am a little too insecure when it comes to feeling like I am indeed doing what is right.

As I was sitting there trying to overcome my doubt that my life is an example of what I'm striving for, I just thought about the impact that has been placed on my life. I am immediately floored when I think that I can be that in a student's life now. There is one person that pops into my head when I think about influence, Bryan Dyer. I know I've beat this into the ground with my gratitude for the impact he's had on my life, but it all seemed different this time.

Oh, wow. So you have a man crush.

No, I.. ok yes, but it is different because when I think of the profound change that Bryan made in my life I do not think of it as something that was in my past. He lives in Colorado, half way across the nation and yet, his character is still shaping our youth. Not directly. They do not have Bryan as a physical presence, but they do have the Bryan that comes through me. When I saw the passion that Bryan had to be a man after God's own heart I wanted (and still want) to be just like that. His life is still making a difference even in his absence.

I don't get it? So you want to be a legend. Isn't that a little prideful?

You are missing the point. I don't care so much that my name is remembered, but I hold great significance to the weight that my words and actions can carry into the students at this very moment. Just as Bryan had no idea the lives that would be touched by his own, I have no idea the example that I could potentially be setting that could be carried over into the way others mentor. It all seems like a lot of pressure, but I am having so much fun right now loving students and learning to love God even more.

I am blessed to have had mentors like Bryan.
I have been blessed and now I want to be a blessing.

love.