Mentors

One of the blessings of Sabbatical has been spending time with older mentor type friends in our life. 

The other night was one of those golden evenings as we sat around dinner with two people we greatly admire – Jean and Leighton Ford.  Jean is Billy Graham’s sister.  She and Leighton have a powerful ministry of their own.  They have been life-long disciplers and mentors to many young leaders.  They have quietly influenced thousands for Christ.

As we spend time with these and many other wise older friends, we think, “We don’t want to grow up, but if we have to we want to be like them!” We love to learn from them.  Here’s some of what I notice:

• They listen really well.  They are present and will sift through the extraneous and pick up on the important heart issues.
• They ask good questions.
• They find things to affirm.  Their speech is “seasoned with grace.”
• Even when asked for advice, they limit what they say. (This one is a huge one for me to learn from!!)
• They model what Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Great minds discuss ideas, average minds discuss events, small minds discuss people."
• They don’t isolate themselves from the darkness of the world, but rather, prayerfully strive to be salt and light in those places. 

What do you notice about the people who have influenced you?  What are you learning from them?