The Most Impacting Aspects of 2009 (Pt 1)

As 2009 draws to a close, I’m amazed by what a full year it has been.  I’ve had a bit of time off work to reflect on the most impacting aspects of the year, and the list was very long.  I’ve categorized the list and would love to share it with you over these final days of 2009.  Here goes:

The Most Impacting People in My Life in 2009

Carol Egbert – My wife continues to rock my world.  In a tumultuous year filled with many ups and downs, her unconditional love remained steadfast and sure.  She has continued to grow as a wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and servant.  She continues to inspire and amaze me.  She influenced my life by giving me courage and strength and building me up when the enemy sought to tear me down.

Pastor Reginah – She runs a school for the most disadvantaged in Nairobi, Kenya.  I had the privilege of meeting her in February while there on a short-term mission trip.  Her unstoppable faith, in light of her constant lack of resources, moved me deeply.  She influenced my life by challenging my beliefs that under-resourcing limits what I can accomplish.

Joanie Woodall - Her husband Joe lost his battle to cancer recently.  I watched Joanie live out her faith in God for the whole world to see.  I’ve never met anyone like her, with such an upbeat and even joyful outlook on life, regardless of her circumstances.  She influenced my life by showing me that God really is enough, even in our times of greatest turmoil and pain.

David Gates – He is the Christian counselor I saw earlier in the year when I was struggling with my grief over the loss of our grandson, Ryan.  He certainly helped me with that, but he also helped me in so many other ways that I did not anticipate, or even initially seek.  He influenced my life by helping me to see and begin to combat unhealthy life-long patterns of thinking and believing.

Mac Lake – He is the Development Pastor at Seacoast Church in South Carolina.  In a simple breakfast meeting, a short video shoot afterwards, and then working with him to get Leading Multisite going, I began to see opportunities for impact develop before my eyes.  He influenced my life by expanding my thinking and dreaming of how I might be able to serve God.

While I’ve only listed five here, the cast of characters is really far more extensive than that.  I would include all of my children.  Each one has influenced me in a different way this year.  I would include my extended family, as they have done the same.  I would also include all who I am privileged to work with.  2009 has been a fun and action-packed year at The Chapel, and doing it with people you love and respect make all the difference.

Who are the people who have been most impacting in your life this year?

In my next post, I’ll reveal the most impacting spiritual events of 2009.