The Gift of Mentorship

Growing up, I have definitely known the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Looking back, I smile at the amount of influence other people have had on my life. There is a mix of not so great influence in there; however, I am grateful to have experienced some sweet older people lead me.

The more and more I think about it, it really does take a village to raise a person. We are designed and created for community. We are meant to know sweet relationship with one another. Community can be known on a friendship level, sports teams, small groups, churches, parent groups, office environments, and the many alike.

We are made to know and be known.

One of the greatest gifts I have had in my life is the gift of mentors. I grew up fast as a teenager. Tragedy has a way of providing a catalyst for maturing way faster than the “normal” rate. I needed help. I needed people in my life who were steps ahead of me, guiding me to move forward.

We are not meant to aimlessly wander through life.

As a teenager, I needed parent-like figures to teach me life skills and warnings. As a college kid, I needed older voices in the form of wisdom and gentle direction. As a young twentysomething, I needed those older voices to speak into questions of wrestling with identity, vocation, and encouragement.

Now, as an early thirtysomething, I love the voices that speak into character, relationships, purpose, and refinement.

I honestly think that mentoring is undervalued. I love mentoring young adults and college-age kids. I love pouring into the lives of others who are wrestling with past seasons of life I have walked through.

We need each other.

I currently have a handful of older faith-strong women who have walked with me for many of those above chapters in my life. I can’t tell how invaluable those relationships are for me. Especially in a season where everything is transitional and new, it is so refreshing to have conversations where I am known, where there is history.

I could honestly sit at the feet of these women all day and just listen. I know I always walk away a better me from those rich conversations.

We all have so much to offer. I want to encourage you to think about someone older to connect with that can love on you and speak into your life. There is nothing like it.

Also think about someone younger who you can love on and walk with through their season of life. It’s life changing for you both!

What has been your mentoring experience?

CC Image • B*2 on Flickr