I often look back to the time that God took hold of me and revealed himself to me. I marvel at his plan for my life the ups and downs that have shaped and molded my character. I pray that I am a man of integrity with a servants heart that pleases God. There is always a vast amount of room for improvement. We are all works in progress hopefully progressing positively but it is not unusual for us all to take steps backwards or down.
Well, I did not set out to write the above. What I do want discuss is my early discipleship. I always look at my mentor's and marvel at the cast of characters that God has put in my life. I am very fortunate to have my friends that I play cards with regularly. We just got together last week and in the end, the most valuable time was at the end when we sat there for an hour just talking. I always find this time precious and binding. I know this group will always remain close...for the rest of our lives.
Spiritually my discipleship began with an unusual character. My Buddy Tom LeBert. We had just met each other at a home group and I remember walking with him after group to our cars. He had just purchased a new truck and was proudly showing it off. That was when he invited me to his house on Sunday after church to watch football. That Sunday we got together. His wife, Val, made vegetarian chile and our friendship really grew out of that experience.
I have learned a lot from Tom. One of the most important lessons was looking out for others. We were in his truck running an errand and at one point Tom stopped his truck and turned around. I was a little perplexed but soon I found us pulling up behind a car on the side of the road. It was a little old man attempting to change a flat tire. Tom nonchalantly got out of his truck and took over changing the man's tire. It was such a genuine exchange of kindness and just as quick as he changed the tire he was back in his truck and back enroute on the errand. As I look back, the little old man was way out of Tom's way. He must have just had a simple glance at the man in trouble. But most important, Tom did it humbly never looking for reward including kind words of encouragement from me. I always regard this as one of my life's important lesson's.
I remember when Tom turned 33 years old. It was a cool little party we had. Last Saturday he turned 50. He deserved a huge party. He has since become an elder in his church. More for his servant hood and wisdom that he has always displayed. I am proud to have this man take my discipling upon himself. He reached out to me and taught me some lessons that still ring true to me both spiritually and Biblically.
One of the things that I love to share is that Tom has a great sense of humor. He has quite the sarcastic witt. That was one of things I picked up from him. I like to joke that it is the one bad thing I have learned from him and have spent 17 years trying to control my tongue since.
Thanks Tom.