Ode to a Mentor

He had the widsom and appearance of Eugene Peterson, the history of teachings from his instructor Dallas Willard, and the contemplative posture of Ignatius of Loyola. Dick Baxter was my spiritual director for many years, and unfortunately he passed away late last year. His absence is still being felt not just by his family and friends, but also by countless lives he impacted through is volunteer work and spiritual direction, including my own. With is passing, there is both a sense of sadness, and yet hope.

I can write a lengthy post on all the wonderful insights he shared that have impacted my spiritual journey. “Don’t hurry”, “Slow down”, “Relax”, “Where did you see God in that?”, etc… are just some of the regular things he would say, and on which I will always remember the rest of my life. However, it was just his calm demeanor that I miss the most. He provided space for a deep breath, silence to focus, and a reminder of God’s presence. I lament losing that time with him in this life.

However, the legacy he leaves also brings me hope. What he embodied and taught is not lost. Like the individuals mentioned above, plus others such as the late Tim Keller, there is a sense of the passing of a generation of such wonderful individuals. Yet, like with the history of the faith, new generations bring forth new crops of such characters who continue, and expand on, the legacy of the previous generations. A new of batch of scholars, teachers, and mentors stand of the shoulders of those giants from the past.

In uncertain and frustrating times, it is too easy to forget that there are Dick Baxters out there, quietly blessing lives through their teachings, service, and their presence. Our responsibility and stewardship is to be sure we remember their lives and wisdom, and pass that along as best we can.