Mentoring

If you've reached the place in life where you wish you could start all over again knowing what you know now, you're ready to be a mentor.  In Greek mythology, Mentor was a loyal friend and adviser to Odysseus, king of Ithaca. Mentor helped raise Odysseus' son, Telemachus, while Odysseus was away fighting the Trojan War. Mentor became Telemachus' teacher, coach, counselor and protector, building a relationship based on affection and trust.

Mentoring is a high dollar word that does more than imply an investment. It is the act of imparting to another your most valuable asset--yourself. Whether you're in a more formal arrangement such as mentor/intern, or a less formal friendship, the influence of one human being on another willing human being can be profound. Some time ago I was visiting a friend who helps lead Big Brothers Big Sisters North Texas, and was surprised to find near the entrance to their offices the T. Boone Pickens Mentoring Hall of Fame. I never knew such a thing existed. What quickly captured my attention was a massive pictorial timeline that depicts the history of Big Brothers and, essentially, a history of efforts in  this country of mentoring at-risk children. For years I have told my students that everyone should have a mentor and be a mentor, but exploring the Mentoring Hall of Fame evoked a sort of epiphany, jogging my memory of the intrinsic and eternal value of intentionally mentoring at-risk individuals, whether they be children, youth, or adults. What could be more Christ-like than one-on-one mentoring of someone who may be lost in many ways without such a valuable relationship? I have seen the benefit in my own life and owe a debt to many who have considered me worthy of their time and wisdom. As partial repayment, I make this a priority and encourage others to look for individuals in whom you may invest yourselves. Only eternity will reveal the significance of taking a little time to be intentional salt and light for someone who desperately needs to know she or he matters. Allow me to be redundant, everyone should have a mentor and everyone should be a mentor.

"One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts." (Psalm 145:4, ESV)

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." (1 Thessalonians 2:8 ESV)