Let me dwell in Your tent forever;
Let me take refuge in the shelter of Your wings.
For You have heard my vows, God;
You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.
Psalm 61: 4-5
“You have given me the inheritance of those who fear Your name.”
My father was one of my heroes. He was a veteran of WWII; he was a Boy Scout leader for over 35 years; he was the head usher and treasurer for our church.
In our town he was well-known and trusted. For my brothers and me, he was our guide. I learned basic carpentry and home repairs and social values from him. My brothers and I helped him build our barn and dig a well. The only time I tried to shoplift, the store owner caught me; knowing my father he did not press charges. He told me to tell my father what I had done. I was ashamed to tell my father – I had failed him. I waited for him to come home, more ashamed then fearful. I told him and we talked for an hour, or so it seemed. But I knew my father still loved me.
I was fortunate to have many mentors who followed our Lord: Sunday school teachers; the pastor of the church where I grew up; my AP English teacher, Mrs. Price; SFC Cleaveland, my first platoon sergeant; the chaplain in South Korea; Pastor Charley McCarthy who became my mentor when I had my encounter with God. They were all positive supporters in my life, guiding me into the future.
I suppose there are two lessons in this Rambling: 1. God still loves us when we fail. 2. We all need good mentors as we grow. Not only do we need mentors, we also need to mentor others as we mature in the faith. I pray that you have had good mentors in your life. I also pray that you will share God’s love and mentor those who need you’re your guidance.
Bob Beck writes faith-based columns for The Chronicle.
