Protégé

What does it look like to effectively and successfully mentor someone? Can it be done? Can it be measured? I mean of course this is all relative to the situation and what outcome would be true.

Last week, a group of us went out to watch Lucas’s final Star Wars film, “Revenge of the Sith.” Throughout the story of Star Wars there was a common variable. There was a mentor or master, and a protégé . The character Anakin Skywalker was being trained and mentored by Obie-One Canobe. This character did all that he could to help prepare, and aid Skywalker. In the end, all the training and suitable knowledge was not enough. Inevitably, each person has to make the decision, right or wrong. So how much weight do we carry in helping others?

On Saturday, a couple of us went to Lydia’s piano recital. Not that I was not completely impressed on how Lydia prepared and organized such a successful event; I was more impressed with the success of those performing. What amazed me most was that every note and key played was directed from the teacher. Lydia was the mentor and the teacher for all twenty or so people performing. It was interesting to see this process put into action and successful. But Lydia can only offer the “how to” when in fact the protégé has to actually do the work, or “action.” She can’t force them to practice or how much work they do prior to their lessons.

The reason I mention these examples and idea is that lately I have been thinking more and more of how the Lord can help us succeed in leading the stray. How can we offer the “how to” to those to find the right path and walk in a way that they will want to put it into action? How far are we charged from our Lord to go until he takes over? These questions have me wondering. All I know is that I feel compelled to reach out. I only hope that I will be prepared.

Dear Lord, Father please be my guide, my counsel, my friend, my hope, and my way.

~ Protégé