Nurture

It is interesting to watch how different people mentor, nurture, and teach their “kids”.  The best seems to do things just a little different from the norm.  The “best” sport coaches are legendary for their respect, focus, and discipline.  It isn’t that any of the elements are one-sided.  On the contrary, their leadership style is one that demands and gives respect.  Their focus is extremely intense.  They hold others to the same standard they demand from themselves.  Discipline is a word that is modeled more than something one spends time talking about.  Corrective action is as much proactive as reactive, yet always seems to come with a sense of the “greater good” while wrapped in the player’s “best interest”. 
 
The best mentors seem to carry an insight bordering on the mystical.  I have come to realize and appreciate that this is as much to do with their selection of their students as it does with their abilities.  In any case, the impact these teachers have one the lives of their students is extraordinary.  When I reflect on the process, certain keys come to mind; brutal honesty, intense listening, and active dialogue on both sides. 
 
Even those nurturing the journey of others seem to have their special touch.  It is as if they impart hope, belief, and energy from somewhere beyond themselves.  I believe this is, at its heart, an important way Divinity reaches out each of us.
 
In each of the different ways people eventually move on.  While the heart of the relationship remains intact the nature of the day to day engagement changes.  It is as if the best leave us with this saying.  “I won't need to [directly intervene]. Because you've gone out on a limb, committed yourselves to love and trust in me, believing I came directly from the Father, the Father loves you directly.” (John 16.27)
 
Today is a day when we get to start fresh.  Our teachers, mentors, and care-givers have given us an opportunity to spread our wings.  We have the opportunity to give others this gift.  Seize the day!