We all have parents in one form or another, and as we grow up we become increasingly grateful for the lessons they teach us, for the nights they stay up late to help with homework, for being a shoulder to cry on, for teaching us how to drive -- the list goes on. Throughout the past year, however, I have learned there is a category of a spiritual parent(s). These are people who walk us through life and guide us as we seek to live life with Christ.

I always thought that the role of parent and spiritual parent were interchangeable, but as I have moved away from home and found community away from my roots, I have found that spiritual parenting can be separate and is very Biblical. 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 demonstrates this beautifully through the example of Paul. This letter addressed to the church in Thessalonica, begins with a reminder to the people just how much Paul is "encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God." In verse 11, we even see the verbiage of parenting: "For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children."

Within the body of Christ, we walk side by side with other believers, encourage, pray for, and watch out for those on the same journey we are on, to become more and more like Christ. I looked around in my own life and was encouraged to find that I have a spiritual parent. I have what Paul was to the church at Thessalonica and to Timothy (Paul refers to him as his "true son in the faith" in 1 Timothy 1:2). It's that sweet relationship of encouraging, challenging, tearing down lies, exposing sin, and constantly being pointed to Christ. At the core, this relationship is one of discipleship, mentoring, parenting, call it what you may.

As we look at our own lives, may I challenge us to look closer, who has stepped in as a spiritual parent for you, whether it has been a conscious choice or not? Who prays for you when you have no idea how to, who takes time for a phone call or meeting regardless the hour or location, who reminds you to just breathe and cast all your anxiety on Jesus?

Remember to say thank you.

Thank you for reminding me I have nothing to defend because Jesus is my defender. Thank you for looking at me the same regardless of my story. Thank you for modeling what it looks like to retreat to lonely places to be with the Lord. Thank you for the time. Thank you for being my spiritual parent.