Your father

If he's an encourager and brings out the best in you, you're blessed. Most people are in some ways working through father issues. Some people, God bless them, have been emotionally or even physically abused by their father. Many have just been ignored. We can only turn to God and ask him to be for us what our dad could never be.

Your spouse

Or, if you're not married, that romantic interest who breaks your heart. Love requires risk and it almost always results in great pain. Your options are to hide your heart away and never risk, or dive deep and get hurt.

Your worst boss

I've had a few. The one that made me pull my hair out the most was more interested in style than substance. Ultimately he asked me to leave and did me a favor in the process. Bad bosses show us what's inside us. When we react in frustration, or are embittered, we see growth opportunities.

Your mentor

If you're lucky enough/brave enough to have one. They usually don't come to you - you've got to go looking and ask them to be intentional in pouring into you. They'll be your cheerleader and your coach, pointing out where and how to grow. They spend time with you because they want to see you become great.

Your antagonist

I had one tell me, "I don't hate you, Seth." I wanted to answer, "Really? Wow, well thanks for clarifying. Your actions sure left me scratching my head." People like that cause you to ask questions of yourself you might otherwise never ask. They give you the gift of humility. It's up to you to receive it.