PASTOR DAVE’S MU7SINGS FROM THE HEARTLAND

December 2, 2023

MENTORING

An important aspect of the Christmas story is the visit of Mary to Elizabeth just after she learns from the angel that she would be the mother of Jesus.  Tradition identifies Ein Karem which is located near Jerusalem and is not far from Bethlehem as the home of Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah.

When Mary learns that she is pregnant by the Holy Spirit, she must have been filled with questions and concerns.  With whom could she pour out her heart and soul?  Even though it was a nine day journey, she chose her much older cousin Elizabeth.  She might well have given as the reason for going that she wanted to help her during the final three months of Elizabeth’s pregnancy.

Adam Hamilton in his book The Journey: Walking the Road to Bethlehem (Abingdon Press, 2001) sees Elizabeth assuming the role of a mentor for Mary.  Hamilton describes Elizabeth as being “someone who could help (Mary) gain perspective on what she was facing; someone who would listen to and believe in her; someone who would encourage her.” (The Journey, p. 67)

At some point in our lives we have needed someone who would be a source of encouragement, wisdom, and perspective for us.  At other times we have been given the privilege of providing encouragement, wisdom, and perspective for someone else.  There are times when we need a mentor and others times when we need to be the mentor.

Teaching at its best is more than just importing information and skills.  The teachers that students fondly remember long after they have left the classroom are those who were encouraging, who helped them learn life lessons, and who were a sounding board against which they bounced ideas.  The subject matter was merely the vehicle by which learning and growing took place.

A program that has had tremendous impact on thousands of children’s and youth’s lives is Big Brother Big Sister.  Their mission is to “provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever.”  In 2009 they served 245,000 children and youth in need of positive role models by providing them with mentors.

I was the president of the Westville Lion’s Club when I was in my late twenties.  The Year I was president the club had the District Governor which meant I had the honor of presiding at the meeting where he was installed.  It was the policy of the club to use the various offices as a way to introduce new members to the workings of Lion’s International and how the local club functioned.  The one constant was the secretary who had held the position for more than twenty years.  He served as a mentor for me during my year as president.

The Christmas season is a time to think about relationships with family and friends.  It is a time to pause and remember all of the persons who have served as mentors in our lives.  How they provided encouragement, wisdom, and perspective.   We might pause and offer a prayer of thanksgiving that they were a part of our lives.

The Christmas season is also a time to pause and remember all of the persons for whom we have served as mentors.  With some we still have contact, while with others we have lost track.  For them we might pause and offer a prayer of encouragement, wisdom, and perspective.

(This article was originally published December 18, 2011.  Comments may be sent to davidh15503@embarqmail.com.)