I just got off the phone with a friend, and our conversation made me realize how fortunate I am to have had a steady stream of men who took the time to invest in my life. It didn’t matter whether I was 9 or 29, I have been blessed with people constantly speaking truth to me. What a significant impact they have had on my life.

Steve Lundberg, Curt Ward, Don Overton, and Jack Warren: They have all made an investment in my life. The amazing thing is that they came into my life for a certain season and impacted me in their own unique manner. They were all willing to take the time to encourage me, give me direction or a chance to express myself as a teenager or a young man.

Right now, our kids are at that great stage of thinking that everything Jenn and I do is amazing. Their dreams are to be like dad and mom, as crazy as we all know that is. The day will come when these precious children begin to believe that their parents are idiots and their friends are brilliant. It’s in that moment when every parent is thankful that their child has someone of influence in their life that can speak truth to them. This person can have a tremendous impact when they have the trust of both the parent and the child. It’s important for every kid growing up to have another person of influence in their life, especially as they go through their teenage years.

Now as a 35 year old, I am thankful for these men as well. They offered guidance and impacted my life in significant ways. Thank you guys for your lives and your investment in me.