“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works,
and in your teaching show integrity and dignity.”
– Titus 2:7

It’s difficult losing a good friend. Bob was a gifted athlete; he lettered in basketball and baseball in high school and attended college on a basketball scholarship. After college, he served as a teacher and coach before moving into administration. For thirty years Bob was a high school principal and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame by two schools. That’s a great resume, but what I saw in Bob’s life goes deeper than athletics or academics. Bob and his wife were married for almost fifty years and together raised two daughters. He got up and went to work every day with an attitude of joy and commitment. He was always pouring his life into others. Bob was committed to his church, loved his family and was one of those people that made you a better person just by being around him.

We all have influence and each of us is a role model to someone. We may not want to admit it, we may not want to be or we may even feel that we are unworthy, but someone is looking up to us. In my times with Bob, the subject of sports seldom came up. Bob was always friendly and fun to be around. He never talked down to me or preached to me. It was obvious that Bob loved and cared about people and when I was around him, I knew he loved and cared about me. He lived his life and others watched. Bob made a difference in people’s lives! Do you ever think about where the next generation is picking up the lessons they need for life? Remember, everyone is a role model, but not everyone is a positive role model. You have a unique platform. Remember that and like Bob, change lives around you.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the positive role models You have placed in my life. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent Your Son Jesus to be the perfect model for living life. Teach me to love You with all that I have and to love others as much as I love myself. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.