“By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:22-25 NRSV)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 NRSV)

Her name was Louise. She died a month or two shy of 105 and shared half of that long life with me. She worked with my mother during World War II and they were the best of friends. She was there for my mother when she developed multiple sclerosis. She was my Sunday School teacher in grade four and watched from afar as my brothers and I grew up in a home that knew too much sickness. I spent a week at her home when my mother died. When my home life broke down, she was there again, and I spent grade twelve with her and her husband Russ. They were my biggest supporters throughout university, they stood proudly at my ordination, and they took the place of parents at my wedding.

Her faith was a constant inspiration to me, and I cherish the old Bible that had been her mother’s and was given to me. Why is she one of the lives that guide my journey of faith alongside Nelson Mandala and Mother Theresa? Louise modelled everything that a Christian is meant to be: a teacher, a mentor, a counsellor, and the list goes on and on. The gifts of the Spirit were hers, and she lived her faith and shared it with me in so many ways. I am just so grateful to God for her!

So, do you have a story to tell of those who have mentored you in the faith? Why not rehearse that story right now, and maybe, just maybe, as God gives the opportunity, share that story with another. Maybe, just maybe, someone is telling your story right now and giving thanks to God … for you!

Prayer: Thank You, God, for guiding us on this uncertain journey of faith. Thank You, God, for lives that guide us, even when we feel uncertain about our faith and our future. Some comfort us, some challenge us, some inspire us, and most just find ways to love us. For all such people in our lives, we thank You, and especially for the One Who is the way, the truth, and the life. Amen.

Copyright © 2023, by Kenn Stright <kennethstright@yahoo.ca>, first published on the PresbyCan Daily Devotional presbycan.ca  
West Petpeswick, Nova Scotia, Canada

Used with the permission of PresbyCan and author.