Mentor? Who Me?
Walt Kowalski was a
grumpy old man who didn’t care much for anybody.
Clint Eastwood directed, produced and starred in Gran Torino, a movie detailing
Walt’s life as a bitter recently widowed Korean War veteran. He didn’t like his
family who was after his money, the priest who badgered him about church or his
Hmong neighbors-except for the daughter. She had a knack for seeing through his
tough exterior.
And it was her who appealed for Walt’s help. A gang was pressuring her brother
to join their ranks. Things heated up when Walt caught Thao-the brother, trying
to steal his Gran Torino as part of his initiation. But Walt was destined for
another change of heart, one that transformed him from hated neighbor to beloved
mentor. He spent time with Thao, taught him skills, encouraged him to resist the
gang and in the end died for him.
That’s what mentors do. Paul was one to young Timothy and called him
"my true son in the faith."
(I Timothy 1:2)
Mentoring may be the new buzz word, but the practice is as old as time itself.
Mentors are our heroes and examples; the people we look up to, idolize and want
to be like when we grow up. We trust their advice and ask for it. Sometimes we
even think they walk on water. Sunday School teachers, Camp counselors, school
teachers, coaches, preachers and employers. They possess qualities setting them
apart from the average Joe. Mentors are friends at higher levels.
Is there someone you can come alongside? Push to a higher level? Cultivate?
Rescue from a life of destruction? It requires time, sacrifice, guts, common
interests, good chemistry, and most of all commitment. But the rewards of
knowing you’ve helped change a life course are worth the sacrifices.
We all need mentors and occasionally have the high privilege of being one. God
understands. Love of mentoring cost him his Son’s life.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, guide us to the ones You want us to guide along.
Martin Wiles mandmwiles@homesc.com
Harleyville, South Carolina, USA
www.morningliteministry.com