For the past 11 years, I have quietly watched and learned from a very special person who lives "in Christ." During our time together, Gary Randolph (recently retired Lake Union Conference director of education) has exemplified such things as:

Integrity: Whoever came up with the expression "Straight as an arrow" must have known Gary. I have seen him be open and forthright even to his own detriment. One of his best-lived mantras is, "I have nothing to hide."

Leadership: He has led the education team through relationship rather than position or power. He has followed in the footsteps of Christ, who never forced Himself or His will on others, but simply bid them, "Follow me."

Compassion: I am amazed at Christ's ability to place the special needs of people ahead of policies. When faced with a choice of doing what was expected by tradition or policy, or doing what was best for the person, Christ always chose what was best. I have seen Gary apply that principle of compassion in the spirit of Christ.

Support: As I began working with Gary, he took the time to answer my questions—sometimes even before I thought of them. He helped me develop friendships with the superintendents, principals, and conference leaders very quickly. From the very beginning, he made me feel like a valued part of the team.

Faithfulness: He has been true to the task from start to finish. No one will ever be able to say that Gary coasted to the finish line.

Beloved of God and Man: I have always known that Gary was greatly loved by our team, but their high level of respect was never more obvious than it was a few months ago when he led the superintendents through a process where their opinion on an issue was very different than his.

Elder Brother: I have never felt that I have been judged, scorned, distrusted, ridiculed, or even gossiped about by Gary. Even during times when I felt that I had failed or performed poorly, I could always count on renewed strength from his sympathizing look and words.

As Gary enters retirement, I know that I, along with many others, will miss his leadership and his friendship. He has truly been a model of the Master Teacher.

"Follow my example as I continue to follow the example of Christ." Gary has never said those words, but he has quietly lived them.

Garry Sudds is the Lake Union Conference interim director of education.