A couple of weeks ago, when Tony and I were in the thick of our 21 Day Challenge, I went food shopping. Armed with my shopping list and grocery bag, I went into Aldi looking for avocados and cucumbers. Only, standing in the middle of the produce section, all of a sudden, I saw the blur of a brown winter coat, as two arms encircled me in a hug.

I looked up startled to see the smiling face of Vicki, one my friends. Only she is not just a friend, she is a person who has helped me wrestle through a major life change, process the pieces after, and think through my future. She is my friend, but she is also my mentor.

As it is with all good friend/mentors, we stood next to the cucumbers and lettuce, and took some time to catch up. Then agreed to meet for bowls of Pho sometime soon. But as we parted ways I was reminded of all the times she has been there for me over the past ten years. She has listened as I have talked through pain. She’s celebrated victories with me, and she has asked me hard questions when I’ve felt stuck. She has loved me well.

In our world, there are relationships that are held up high as more sacred than all the rest. The two that seem to be at the top of the list are the relationship between a parent and child, and the relationship of a couple. But, in my life I am finding there are other powerfully impactful relationships that should not be taken for granted. And one of those types of relationships is mentorship.

Looking back to the most transformative moments in my life, I can tell you a mentor was almost alway present. When I first began testing out my leadership skills in high school, there was Ms. Cox, the advisor of our peer leadership group, and Sandy, the advisor of our area youth congress. Both gave me opportunities that helped me become the leader I am today.

Then in college, Todd, the youth pastor I interned under, affirmed my calling to youth ministry over cups of Dunkin’ Donut’s coffee. Later, John, a pastor I worked with as a young youth pastor, spoke words that helped me become a healthier leader. And then, as I said before, Vicki was there as I made the hard transition out of full time church ministry.

In life, there are few things more powerful than having someone, a little further on the journey, reach back to help guide you with yours. Whenever we reach the places in life where we are about to grow or make big changes, it is amazing to have someone tell us we can do it. That we’ll make it, and to even point out a pothole or two to avoid.

Mentors are very special people.

Though they may not love us the way a partner or family member might, their love is very special. They play a crucial role in helping us discover who we are, and in reaching for who we want to be. They teach us things that can’t be googled. And they rejoice when its time for us to fly.

Finally, one of the most beautiful things we can do to repay our mentors—is to be come mentors ourselves. As we reach with one hand for the hands ahead of us to pull us forward, we have the opportunity to reach behind for those coming after. It is in this way that the potential in our world will be truly realized. And it is in this way that we all will grow together.

Who has mentored you?

Who do you need to mentor?

Stay tuned for Thursday’s post, when I talk about how to find a mentor for your journey right now.

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