As with any word, we can get carried away in stretching a word, a term, up to and way beyond its defined boundaries and actual life-giving intent for understanding...and encouraging communication. Such it is with the word...
UNIQUE
Do you realize that word also defines you?
You who read this...yes...you!
As a mentor that word also defines each soul you mentor...uniquely.
Unique...an adjective:
1. being the only one;
2. a--being with a like or equal, unequaled; b--distinctively characteristic;
3. unusual.
Thus begins a “short story” this week on Mentoring Mondays #37. Chapter One today. Chapter Two tomorrow. Chapter three.......
This past Saturday evening my wife and I had the rare privilege, along with 130 other people, of helping launch an artist into his career he’s dreamed of most of his life. Along with his family, and other friends, this was indeed an honor...for this young leader’s capacity is really beyond belief.
The man I am writing about is Jake Weidmann. You can find him easily on Facebook...twice.
Sorry, you good “show me” people from Missouri, but it was a real treat for people to view his work, wonder at his ability to do art in nine mediums over ten general themes, and say often, “You said this was amazing, but not until I saw it for myself could I imagine just how amazing!” Stunning is a mild word to describe what he’s doing and will be doing.
I thought a lot yesterday about how we treat people, especially those who seem to have extreme gifts. Are we capable of seeing them as “real deal” people?...no matter what they do or accomplish. IF...we are going to be good mentors, life-giving mentors, we need to look even beyond all that is amazing to their “peopleness.”
This is easy for we who know and encourage this young artist...he’s one of the most humble humans I know. That is not often the case with those who are extra gifted.
There’s no posing or posturing...no attitude of greatness...even though we see greatness in his future. I count it a deep sacred privilege to be his mentor...and one his team of “close in” supporters, invited by him to help him form his future. We gladly call ourselves “Team Weidmann,” using our collective gifts to encourage his.
I say all this on this post, Mentoring Mondays #37/Chapter One, because even though Saturday night was in the awesome category of happenings...I was more deeply moved that evening when I realized that seven of the people I’m currently mentoring were all gathered at this event. We were there to honor the artist...but...oh wow!...if you knew those others as I do...you would be more than stunned...and grateful...at the “amazing” in each one of them.
Standing on the stairs of our friend’s combined studio/gallery/home taking some iPhone pics, I experienced quiet tears seeing all these women and men in the same space. As I know their stories...as I watched them listening to our friend, I was deeply moved...and reminded...the gifts in each one of them are also to be celebrated, further formed, called out...setting them free to live their own lives...by design.
You know who you are (AH, LF, HW, PA, JW, SM, MW), ages 24 to 57. I witness who our God is making of you. I am stunned at his grace that is growing in each of your lives...by your invitation, as you allow the Triune to further, deeply, fully form you day, after month, after hour, after year. Thank you for allowing me to journey with you into your futures...indeed, what a sacred privilege! I see the Spirit’s amazing artistry in each one of you...and all those others you know I spend time with in person, or via Skype, around this planet we share.
You give me hope. You give me deep joy as you live forward into your futures. And...some times you do give me concern. :-)
Through you, and the others I've the sacred privilege of mentoring, I learn more about life with each moment spent with you...you, vastly different, unique people...you who are alive with distinct purpose and design for all your days. Again...thank you!
Tomorrow this post continues...yes, on a Tuesday: Chapter Two
© Three3rdsMedia 2011...in association with LeadershipDesignGroup
Your generosity in the way that you mentor has been ever so apparent for over a decade. Thank you for being one of the few that has invested heavily in the next generation of leaders. It's not just a tagline but your legacy.... releasing Leaders into all they were designed to be and do...
Posted by: Mworleyjr | November 21, 2011 at 09:32 AM
Thank you Wes for everything you do for so many of us. jake is just one of the many pearls you have polished and helped to display their full glory. The world is desperate for men like you....thank God for those of us that have been blessed with meeting you and your precious lady. ...
Posted by: Pablo | November 21, 2011 at 10:19 AM