A Turtle on a Fencepost

Someone once said, that when I look back on my life I think of a turtle on a fencepost. Why? Because I know the turtle did not get there alone... The same could be said for my life. There are countless of people who have selflessly poured into me enabling me to get where I am today. Other leaders have taken the time to develop me. They have taken this leader who could barely crawl and wanted to spend most of his time hiding in his shell and have put him in place he has never thought possible.

How you ask? – Relationship. In fact, leadership at its core is not towering authority or an egotistical position. It is a place to serve, a place to build others up, and help others reach their full potential in Christ. Leadership is relationship.

Perhaps no one shows us this better than the Apostle Paul. You catch a glimpse of his heart for developing leaders in his letters to Timothy. How many times in these letters does he say “Timothy my son…” And, it is always followed by seasoned advice from a leader who has “been there, done that” and he literally has the scares to prove it! You get the sense when reading first and second Timothy that this is a leader nearing the end of his life wanting to pass on his learning’s to the next generation.

When talking to a long time mentor of mine he reflected on role that God is now giving him. He said, “I want to place my shoulder in the center of the backs of this next generation of leaders and push…and I don’t care if I’m invisible to the rest of the world.” Hmm… “Timothy my son…”

As I look back on my life, I notice all those that played their part in helping me, this turtle.

I see this in parents that took me to church every Sunday and modeled for me what a relationship with God is supposed to look like.

I see this in a grade seven Sunday School teacher who brought a pigs head to class when doing a lesson on the beheading of John the Baptist. (I know, gross for you but engaging for a grade seven boy!)

I see this in a youth leader who gave up his Saturday nights and sometimes weekends to go on retreats and plan crazy events just because he cared.

I see this in a Senior Pastor who took a chance on a new guy.  He was patient enough to develop and train a terrified “young Timothy” But most of all, he listened.

I see this in a church that showed me grace upon grace.

I see this in a professor who although is battling health issues and could retire, continues to train leaders for kingdom work.

And many more…

This summer, I sat on the deck enjoying the sun with a former youth leader of mine. He turned to me and said, “How did you get into full-time ministry?” I said, “Because, many years ago I had some excellent youth leaders that cared…they definitely played a part.” Still not getting it, he made mention of a “super-cool-hip” youth leader that I must have been referring to. “No” I said. “It’s you.”

The other day I sat at my desk claiming “Vanity of vanities…what am I doing here?” Just then a former student of mine contacts on me on facebook to say thanks. Thanks for taking the time to influence and develop her in her walk with Christ. Now she is using her influence in a youth ministry pouring into others. Misty eyed, I pondered if my parents, grade seven Sunday school teacher, youth leader, Senior Pastor, church and professor could really grasp this “trickle down” effect.  Did they know that the ripples from their pebble in the pond reached farther than they ever could imagine?

Don’t underestimate your opportunity to develop others. It would be a shame to live your life and not lift any turtles to the top.

In fact, I’m a turtle on a fencepost, and I didn’t get here alone.