To keep us all mindful of where we've journeyed from, let us not forget what we've covered in these posts in 2011...
The best of mentoring is intentional.
It is putting the time together, casual and fun, to serious and life altering through the grid of deep-change.
Both mentor and mentoree need to be committed to exploring, discovering, learning and living into and through all 8 dimensions of life...one's whole life.
The good news is that wisely and creatively crafted...this mentoring will witness continuing transformational growth in both mentor and mentoree.
Life...happening...as our Triune God intended...for all of any age.
Therefore.......
.......this pic was taken recently at a local sports equipment emporium........if you look for it.......mentoring encouragement is everywhere!
Taking our cues from our Triune God, we need to carefully nurture the uniqueness of each individual. Certainly, capacities, skills, interests, abilities, even the messiness of their lives will differ...that is to be expected. But...as a mentor we are especially called to celebrate the uniqueness of the individual, who they truly are becoming, by God’s design, before we get caught up in the “what” they do of their lives.
Good mentors, setting an open example with their own lives, are to be first concerned with the heart, the core, the interior of the mentoree. Oh, sure, we humans do the “oooh, ahhh” when someone leads a 90+ yard drive to a winning touchdown. Yup...when someone is fortunate enough to earn a bundle and give an endowment to a group that will save lives...we may say, “God bless ‘em!” We may hammer homes together for the homeless...there is much to go, “Oh, wow!” about in our world that reeks with chaos.
But...this day, this week, I suggest, as mentors, no matter the accomplishments...even, no matter the potential in a person...we tell those we mentor what we see in them that will change who they are in their special places on the planet. Call out their uniqueness...not just their talents...as they journey into who they are becoming.
Celebrate, often, the steps forward when deeper awareness dawns on who they are becoming...not just the accomplishments, which are to be celebrated in due time. Each life you mentor has a destiny...like no other. So do you as a mentor.
Your role as a mentor is to help them explore, discover, learn, grow, be released in their individual uniqueness...no matter what they do. What a calling, privilege and responsibility we share with each mentoree.
What will you do to recognize the uniqueness in each person you mentor in the future?
How will you listen to them, walk with them, talk with them, to encourage them, with what you see at the core of who they are becoming...not just what they are doing, or hoping to do?
In what ways will you intentionally, clearly, creatively let them know you are for them as they journey into their future?
© Three3rdsMedia 201...in association with LeadershipDesignGroup
I love and appreciate what you've shared, Wes. Mentoring is a holy calling – to be pursued in humbleness and awe! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your lovely bride!
Posted by: Carolyn DePalatis | November 22, 2011 at 07:55 AM
Amen to this.....let us remain curious wonderers in this wonderful journey we have been called too...
Posted by: Pablo | November 22, 2011 at 08:47 AM