Thankful for the Unexpected Influencers
Cale Pritchett

Scripture:
Moses’ father-in-law replied, “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone. Listen now to me, and I will give you some advice, and may God be with you.” — Exodus 18:17–19

Devotion:
Who are the unexpected people who stepped into your life for a short while and changed your future for the better? And when was the last time you told them thank you?

When I think about my first forty-seven years of life (not quite fifty!), I like to imagine my own “Mount Rushmore of Influencers.” I intentionally leave out family—not because they haven’t shaped me, but because I want to recognize those God placed in my path unexpectedly.  I’m not a mathematician, but in a world of over billions of people, the odds of crossing paths with the few who truly impact our lives must be incredibly small. I’m convinced divine intervention plays a role—dependent on our hearts and minds being open to new ideas and perspectives.

Two people come to mind immediately for me -
Dr. David Bankston was my voice professor in college, my first year as a vocal performance major. He was unlike anyone I’d met—no-nonsense, confident, flashy - a former musician and even a boxer before becoming a professor. Though not a flag waving Christian, he respected faith. Dr. Bankston encouraged me to go to graduate school—not for music, but for business. It was something I’d never even considered. Ten years later, that seed he planted led me to earn my MBA, launching a marketing career that gave me a sense of purpose I might never have found without his influence.

Tom Rollins, founder and CEO of The Teaching Company, was another. After I graduated, Tom hired me and later became a mentor. Despite his success, he was humble and approachable, taking time to know every employee. Tom encouraged me to believe in myself—telling me I was smarter than I let on and helping me find my confidence. He even helped me write my graduate school application letter. His belief in me shifted how I saw my own potential.

Moses had someone like that too. In Exodus 18, his father-in-law Jethro visited and saw Moses exhausting himself by trying to lead and judge for the entire Israelite community. Jethro offered simple but life-changing advice: delegate and teach others to lead. That wisdom reshaped how Israel functioned and how Moses led. One short encounter changed the course of a nation.

This Thanksgiving season, take a moment to think about the unexpected people who’ve influenced your life. Who’s on your “Mount Rushmore of Influencers”? Write down their names. Pray a prayer of gratitude for them. And if you can, reach out and tell them how they made a difference. Expressing gratitude is one of the most powerful ways we can share hope and joy this season.

Prayer:
God of Jethro and God of Moses, thank You for the unexpected people who shape our lives in surprising ways. Bless those who have influenced me for the better and help me offer that same encouragement and wisdom to others. Amen.