Earlier this year, I was invited to preach at a church in Rapid City, South Dakota. If you’re familiar with that neck of the woods, you know that’s the neighborhood of Mount Rushmore. So as soon as I was done preaching, I took the half-hour drive and went to see this world-renowned chunk of rock. To my shock, I felt like I was the only one there besides a park ranger. I snapped a couple photos (it was golden hour, which was a bonus), appreciated the moment, and got in my car with “Visit Mount Rushmore” checked off the list.

I’ve been thinking about that visit lately. Not because of the faces so impressively carved into the mountain (no offense, presidents), but because of the faces that are carved into MY personal Mount Rushmore. The people who have impacted my life the most. I could tell you their names, but they wouldn’t mean much to you. These are the people that have–as I look back over my life–left the deepest, most profound marks on who I am today.

You’ve got your own Mount Rushmore. We all do. We’ve all got people in our lives who we’d credit with shaping us in all the different ways they have.

Last week a former student of mine from my youth group in NY who is now a pastor himself called me out of the blue to thank me for the investment I made in his life, and therefore in his current ministry. It was heartfelt, precious, and if I’m honest, timely. 

So I want to ask you again: Who’s on YOUR Mount Rushmore? Who has sculpted your faith, your spiritual health, and your walk with Jesus more than others have? Name them. Then do what my student/friend/pastor did, and call them. Tell them about the difference they’ve made. Speak from the heart and let them know. If they’ve already been called home to be with Jesus, then write it down. 

No matter how you do it, reach out and express your heart to the people who’ve cared enough about you and Jesus to share His love with you.