Those of my colleagues who know me best know how much I enjoy writing and my most recent project (still unpublished as yet) is about the value of life and its measured value in relation to God’s assignment upon us. It is indeed a significant personal work and one that is stretching my thinking enormously.

One of the things which has been interesting is studying the people who were connected to the Apostle Paul and his consistent use of his letters to identify them to the reader.  Now, for the 1st century reader it would seem obvious that on some levels those who were recepients of the letters would instantly connect to who and what these persons meant to the relationships of that faith community and Paul.  On another level, it has challenged me to think about how God forges our lives by connecting us to other people, some for life and others for short periods of time and as we reflect on that, we come to recognize how important those seasons were/are in our development as disciples and/or leaders.

Of course, the very popular “11″ by Leonard Sweet is fueling my thinking as well.  I highly recommend this book to all of you.  It would be valuable to me if after you have read his book, you might email me (bill@forwardleadership.org) and give me some insights on your “11″.  Such as who is the “Nathan” in your life?  

I have given some time this week to one particular relationship of Paul’s referenced in two important places.  On the first missionary journey, John Mark came alongside Paul and Barnabas and others to form the ministry team that made this historic trip.   Somewhere along the way, John Mark decides to go home and this obviously “ticked” Paul off and he refused later to take him on the 2nd trip which resulted in Barnabas pulling off the journey and Silas joined Paul.  We are not clear about what caused John Mark’s decision but the relationship was clearly strained.

Yet, years later in the final writing we have, the 2nd letter to Timothy, he implores the young pastor to bring John Mark to him.  He writes, “he is valuable to me…”  This incident further extends my thought that God brings people into your life and mine, some for long periods and others for short seasons.  They add value and bring meaning to us–helping us complete our God assignment.

Do you have a John Mark who has formerly been written off and now as you consider the journey, you sense the need to RECONNECT?  Do it…do it quickly so nothing more is lost.  You will not regret the effort to reach back to a colleague and join forces again.

In larger context, who are the people coming into your life?  Have you noticed? The circle of people influencing your life is changing every day. God is shaping the direction of your thoughts and ideas in the people he has positioned near you.  Stop long enough to see it, to embrace the new opportunities each one brings to your life.  Remember, there is purpose to all God is doing in you!

Should you wish to engage with me on this subject in a more private setting, email me–bill@forwardleadership.org.