Mentor: A Wise and Faithful Counselor and Teacher

A wise mentor/teacher has discernment and sound judgment in teachings concerning what is true or false, as well as what is proper or improper. A wise mentor/teacher is inspired or guided by this good judgment. A faithful mentor/teacher is full of faith, especially in God; is firm in adhering to promises or vows; true in affection; loyal and worthy of confidence in their teachings.

Mentors in my life

These are lofty ideals for any human being to live up to. Have you had mentors/teachers in your life? Of course you have and may not even have realized they were there. I have had many. As I reflect on some of mine, you may recognize some of yours too.

Personal mentors

Of course, you would automatically say your parents. Yes, my parents did influence me personally, but not as much as some others did; my grandmother for instance, or my Bible School teacher. These women had characteristics I admired and wanted in my life. They were strong but kind and were resolve in their beliefs. Their lives were a reflection of their teachings. They made me feel good about myself.

Mentors in business

My parents were the first to instill work ethics in my life. The work was done before play; if you said you would....you did; actions should portray integrity. There were also two different bosses that greatly influenced me in a job situation. One did teach me how to treat employees well and kindly and the other was an example of many ways of how not to treat employees.

When I later owned a company and had employees myself, I could implement both learning experiences. The actions portrayed from the "good" boss were practiced and practices from the "bad" boss were carefully avoided. The results were very good! Our employees, as a general rule, were happy and loyal. A book by Chuck Swindol - Hand Me Another Brick should be required reading for managers.

Spiritual mentors

In my adult years, there have been a few women that were very wise and if I asked, they would freely share with me and teach me. They taught me how to pray and have a personal relationship with God. They spent time with me, teaching me, setting a good example (yet being totally human) for me to aspire to reach. These women shared their experiences and the actions taken to achieve their goals, making it seem plausible that I could get there too. All the while, uplifting me, encouraging me and seemingly making me feel good about myself. (Once again)

They gave me to me their most valuable possession - their time. Once spent, it could never be regained.

In conclusion

A mentor can only be of help to another person if certain criteria are met. The person must know that they need help, must want or ask for help and then can only be helped to help themselves. Everyone is a teacher. Some show me what to do and how to be and others show me what not to do and how not to be. It is my choice which I will follow.

In loving tribute to Sarah, Reba, Beverly, Retha.