Andy Deuitch preached yesterday. It’s been about a year since I’ve seen Andy and his wife Trisha, and their growing family. For me, our visits are always a pleasure and an encouragement.

Andy was in my Junior High Sunday School class back in the 1980′s when I was a new Christian, sans-kids, totally shy and feeling out of my element as a human being, let alone a Sunday School teacher, but I loved Andy and his side-kick Sheldon and the rest of the bunch that enjoyed leading me down theological rabbit holes and then watch me try and climb out.

Andy is now in ministry; has been for many years. For the past five years he’s been on staff at the Life Spring Christian Church in Cincinnati, OH.

Now, I don’t think my influence on Andy was anything to write home about. I was never the shaper of his soul. He had godly parents, Nelson and Kate, who did that. What I am thankful for, though, is just the opportunity of seeing someone grow from a teenager into a thirty-year old man of God. I love seeing the spark in his eyes. I soak up his passion. His transparency is compelling. He is the real deal.

Lots of people look for proof of God. They want definitive, empirical answers to their questions. Proof is out there, you just have to look for it in the eyes of those who follow the Master! They contain an eternal twinkle that accompanies hopeful, struggling, victorious, compassionate lives, aware of their imperfections and thankful for Jesus’ resurrection.

I hope people see something similar when they look in my eyes�