It’s only in reflection that I truly appreciate how God teaches me His way through the people He surrounds me with in life. On reflection here are some lessons good people have taught me in word and deed. These are in no particular order.
1. Danny taught me – how to live by grace.
Danny Flynn is the Chief Executive of the North Staffs YMCA where I had the privilege of working for three years. I had been a Christian for a good decade before that, but the truth remains that no one taught me more by example of what it was to live by grace than he did. I remain eternally in his debt for showing Jesus to me in his gracious dealings.
2. Authrine taught me – being spiritual is far better than being intellectual.
You might remember Authrine as only the most important human being in my life as my wife. She obviously has taught me a lot and continues to teach me. One thing I can say being in her company as long as I have is that she has taught me how important it is to be aware that we’re spiritual beings, capable of engaging with the spiritual realm and the reality of the Spirit in believers. That’s not a slight on the intellect, it’s just to say there’s a lot more to living than by being cerebral.
3. Ritson taught me – setting your mind on godly goals gains a good grasp on life
He obviously didn’t do it so alliteratively. I owe a lot to Ritson as my first and enduring mentor. At a time in my life when I was being somewhat aimless he helped considerably by getting me to work with God in setting goals. Some long term, but the better ones were short term and as I achieved them by the grace of God soI was emboldened to walk with God in setting others.
4. Chris taught me – when life gets you down it’s good to go for a walk.
Walking has been something that my Dad got me to enjoy. Coming across Chris Bell in Bletchley, though, really expanded the beauty of relationships and how healing can take place as long as you’re willing to walk with someone in the highs and lows of life. Chris’ ability to do that with me in the brief time we knew each other left an indelible mark deep in my heart.
5. Ruth taught me – family always looks out for each other
My sister and I have an interesting relationship. It’s fair to say, though, that in the period between leaving home for university and starting married life, no one taught the family value of protecting each other more than she did. Her protective nature benefited me significantly and also showed me how costly that can be for the person doing the protecting. It’s worthwhile when its family, though.
6. Andy taught me – use your gift to the maximum to help others recognise and use their gifts
Andy Kind is one of the funniest people I know.Sometimes when I’m around him, I often try to be ‘funny’ just to keep up. What he has done, however, more importantly than just being funny, is using his gift of humour to help other people recognise their gift. I saw him pour his life into others who may not have been considered before and support them in recognising their gifts and begin using them.
7. Rob taught me – you get knocked down, but you get up again even when others look to knock you down
Rob Simmonite is a brother to me. Few people can relate to some of the mental ill health I have endured like he can. His strength of character to overcome it and keep battling to retain his mental health is a testament to me despite all he has faced and continues to face. That’s real resilience to me and I love him for teaching me that.
8. David taught me – Humility is simply getting on with it without blowing your own trumpet
I have heard many people talk about humility. I have seen many people fail at reflecting the very humility they talk about. My brother has inherited from our Dad the unerring capacity for humility because he never blows his own trumpet, on the contrary he often goes about his business with little fuss or recognition. Indeed his own self-check stops him ever getting above himself. The only person to teach me that lesson like him is our Dad.
9. Nathan taught me – Worshipping God with all your mind is worthwhile
Nathan is a relatively new friend of mine, but I have taken to the guy in a major way. What I find particularly endearing about the fella is his total devotion to consuming God’s Word in His whole being. He is one of the foremost theologians I know for one of such a tender age, and he’s not just about the intellect. Although that is the case, he certainly is a great model to me of serving God with my mind.
10. Zoe teaches me – Joy is found in being expressive to a loved one without limits
She is our youngest daughter. She is four years old. She knows she has the attention of her older siblings and her parents. More than anyone in the family she knows she’s loved immensely. She uses that as the springboard to express joy so infectiously, that it amazes me and challenges me to similarly love my Father without constraint.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 