Life provides mentors. I find myself wondering what I do with them. Will I let the mentors in my life have a voice? At times I do; on other occasions I refuse to hear. As I look at my reactions to the mentors in my life, I see a shared trait in those I hear. Each is knowledgeable, especially when it comes to her/his self. They see life for what it is. They have grieved and celebrated. They value others. They see themselves in the mirror.
I have planned to catch up with one of these mentors for the past few weeks. The delay is all mine. Between travel, deadlines, and periods of extended reflection, I have delayed physically picking up the telephone. In the midst of this, when I next talk to him I will tell him that we have been talking, a lot! I hear his voice. In my mind, we have listened to each other, debating at times, yet always hearing what the other has to say. I wish I could share his wisdom and insights. I find his wisdom goes well beyond my challenges.
He can see how he got to where he is. He knows it is because of what God and others have done for him. His perspective echoes Paul’s; “Because God was so gracious, so very generous, here I am. And I’m not about to let his grace go to waste. Haven’t I worked hard trying to do more than any of the others? Even then, my work didn’t amount to all that much.” (1 Corinthians 15.10)
He understands the value of what is around him. He knows life is more than toys and indulging. He treasures what is in the moment at hand. In the laughter of his son, the walk through meadows, and the call with his mother, he rediscovers the joy of being part of God’s family.
He also pursues Hope with passionate intensity. In many forms, Hope is alive in his life.
I wake this morning realizing that his knowledge is within you and me.
