“If you ever see a turtle atop a fencepost, you know he had some help getting there.” When I shared those words, spoken originally by author Alex Haley, my friend Bill painted a picture of it from his imagination. I have kept it as a reminder of all the help I have received. Who mentored you?
Paul was mentored by Barnabas, and in spite of their differences, he passed it on to other young ministers. On the journey with Silas, Paul found Timothy. Timothy had a Greek father and a Jewish mother who had become a believer. How did this relationship go? In his first and second letters to Timothy, we learn more about how much he helped Paul. Timothy joined him in the work of delivering the Jerusalem decision to the churches. The churches became stronger and grew in numbers daily.
Years ago, Larry Nixon, my pastor in college, sent me out to the second and third churches I served as pastor. On a dark day in our lives, he walked into a hospital room, unexpectedly, unannounced, blessing me and Melanie. I once asked him, “How do I pay you back?” He answered with his customary grace: “You don’t owe me. But if you ever see a young minister, invest in him.” I’m still doing that today. The least we turtles on fenceposts can do is to help other turtles. As the Lord brings mentors to mind, send a note to someone who gave you a hand up.
