In Need of a Mentor
I've been blessed throughout life with good teachers, mentors, directors and insightful friends who expected me of more than most, accepted what I could give at the time as sufficient, inspired me to excel if only to impress, counseled my impulsive nature, and sought me out to lift me up when I needed tough or tender love.
Somehow, Providence has always seen to it that I have good, wholesome, intelligent and practical guidance and tracking--as if I were worth the effort! Could it be possible that Someone is preparing me to be and do for others what has always been and done for me?
"I am not ready," I wail!
"If not, when?" comes the whispered response.
"How can you ignore my ongoing mistakes," I plead!
"I see only ongoing efforts to improve," an echo of a shiver replies.
"What if I do more harm than good?" I am nearly in tears!
"Have those to whom you were specially entrusted done more harm than good?" The question assuages my fears.
"What if I am unwilling," I shudder at the ingratitude that frames this reservation.
Silence is the echo to my fear of failure.
"OK. You win!" I cry. "Whoever you are, I acquiesce, humbly, before Divine Providence that provides when I cannot."
I sense a warm, approving smile, withdrawing before it even reaches my consciousness, reassuring me all will be well. I hope this is true.
Still, I'm not going to the hardware store for penny nails and paintbrush to post a sign: “Open for business -- Mentor is in.”
I simply trust that the opportunities will present themselves as the blessings have also mysteriously appeared when needed.
More than ever, we know that we do not know even what we need to know, you know?
Should something I say in a story or poem move us both to ponder, you won't have to tell me (though it would be appreciated). I'll trust Providence is using me to send a message to help others on their way. Because we are all in need of a mentor.
Somehow, Providence has always seen to it that I have good, wholesome, intelligent and practical guidance and tracking--as if I were worth the effort! Could it be possible that Someone is preparing me to be and do for others what has always been and done for me?
"I am not ready," I wail!
"If not, when?" comes the whispered response.
"How can you ignore my ongoing mistakes," I plead!
"I see only ongoing efforts to improve," an echo of a shiver replies.
"What if I do more harm than good?" I am nearly in tears!
"Have those to whom you were specially entrusted done more harm than good?" The question assuages my fears.
"What if I am unwilling," I shudder at the ingratitude that frames this reservation.
Silence is the echo to my fear of failure.
"OK. You win!" I cry. "Whoever you are, I acquiesce, humbly, before Divine Providence that provides when I cannot."
I sense a warm, approving smile, withdrawing before it even reaches my consciousness, reassuring me all will be well. I hope this is true.
Still, I'm not going to the hardware store for penny nails and paintbrush to post a sign: “Open for business -- Mentor is in.”
I simply trust that the opportunities will present themselves as the blessings have also mysteriously appeared when needed.
More than ever, we know that we do not know even what we need to know, you know?
Should something I say in a story or poem move us both to ponder, you won't have to tell me (though it would be appreciated). I'll trust Providence is using me to send a message to help others on their way. Because we are all in need of a mentor.
70-79, MNew