I have always loved great people.
I mean the Martin Luther Kings and the Steve Jobs of the world, but I also mean the Earl Dingus and Brad Park and Nathan Stoller, and Cheryl Cantrell, and Wiesiek Pruszkowskis of the world.
For those of you who don’t know…Earl is a mechanic and if it can or ever has run, he can fix it. Brad is a farmer who knows his cows and his land like an artist knows canvas. Nathan is a carpenter who is not afraid of any project—if it can be done with wood, he can do it. Cheryl is a stay a home mom who is one of the most productive, organized and willing people I have ever met. Wiesiek is a musician of the highest order and with just a few notes, he can usher you into the presence of God.
I love great people.
Some people love Earl because their car breaks down. Some people love Brad because they have sick cows. Some people love Nathan because their floor is sagging. Some people love Cheryl because they need a hand. Some people love Wiesiek because they have a wedding that needs music. I don’t.
I can always find a mechanic or a farmer, or a carpenter, or a volunteer, or a musician—what these people have is not just a skill set. What they have is greatness. They are great at what they do and they are passionate about it.
I love great people because great people inspire me. I can’t get enough of them. I love to hear them talk about what they do and how they do it and why they do it. I don’t care what it is they do They make me a better theologian because they inspire me. They show me the beauty in things I would never see if they were not there. They make me think differently.
My life is better, fuller and richer because of really great people. If you are one of those people—and I haven’t named nearly all of them—thanks.
When I was first assigned to Hamilton Air Force Base in California, I met 4 men who wuld have a great influence on my life. Warren Cheatham, who taught me the
gosper and baptized me. E. V. Smith and Darrell S. Kent, elders, who directed my pathway while a Baby Christian and Vic and Anita Johnson, who showed me what the sacrifical life was all about. All gone home now but never forgotten. Thanks dear ones, for your unforgetable lessons