I’m not 100% original. In fact, none of us are completely original. My sense of humor, my fashion sense, my personality, my quirks, my pet peeves, my reactions did not originate with me. I’m a collective sum of all the key influential people in my life. We are all a collective sums of all the key influential people in our lives.
All of us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have been “poured into.” We’ve all had those voices in our lives that weigh heavy on our choices, decisions and actions. And, we’ve all had those voices that teach us more about what not to do. Most of “who we are” is a complete reflection of what the people around us have helped create us to be.
You really can’t determine who you are until you embrace where you’ve been. Where you’ve been is directly related to WHOM you’ve been around. This brings to life a statement by Jim Collins, author of Good to Great; “It’s no so much where or what you do in life, but who you do life with.”
I’m incredibly grateful for the “whom.” I’m thankful for parents who taught me the meaning of integrity. I often reflect back on my Youth Pastor, Kevin Talbert, who spent hours every week pouring guidance and wisdom in my life. I’m thankful for the peers that spoke things into my life. I’m glad I had elders who have blazed trails for me to follow spiritually. I’m thankful for the people in my life who exemplify the type of leader I want to become. I’m thankful that men and women throughout my 25 years of existence have taken the time to pour things into me. Most of all, I’m thankful I learned that this trend must not stop with me.
However and by whomever your cup was filled, its time to pour it out. Call it mentoring, call it apprenticing, or call it friendship, it's simply time we become intentional about pouring ourselves into others.
Psalm 71:18 says “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.” If we say we love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all He has done for us, it’s time we empty our cups.
A candle never loses it’s flame by lighting another. A cup will never be empty by filling another.
All of us, whether intentionally or unintentionally, have been “poured into.” We’ve all had those voices in our lives that weigh heavy on our choices, decisions and actions. And, we’ve all had those voices that teach us more about what not to do. Most of “who we are” is a complete reflection of what the people around us have helped create us to be.
You really can’t determine who you are until you embrace where you’ve been. Where you’ve been is directly related to WHOM you’ve been around. This brings to life a statement by Jim Collins, author of Good to Great; “It’s no so much where or what you do in life, but who you do life with.”
I’m incredibly grateful for the “whom.” I’m thankful for parents who taught me the meaning of integrity. I often reflect back on my Youth Pastor, Kevin Talbert, who spent hours every week pouring guidance and wisdom in my life. I’m thankful for the peers that spoke things into my life. I’m glad I had elders who have blazed trails for me to follow spiritually. I’m thankful for the people in my life who exemplify the type of leader I want to become. I’m thankful that men and women throughout my 25 years of existence have taken the time to pour things into me. Most of all, I’m thankful I learned that this trend must not stop with me.
However and by whomever your cup was filled, its time to pour it out. Call it mentoring, call it apprenticing, or call it friendship, it's simply time we become intentional about pouring ourselves into others.
Psalm 71:18 says “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.” If we say we love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all He has done for us, it’s time we empty our cups.
A candle never loses it’s flame by lighting another. A cup will never be empty by filling another.
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