Every single experience—whether it is a change we celebrate or a change we cry over—is an opportunity to grow. And yes, that includes every choice you make that you look back at and regret. No matter how on-top-of-the-world or down-in-the-ditch life gets, I have decided to move forward.
I’ve lived in 5 different states, changed zip codes 9 times plus packed and unpacked boxes too many times to count. Can you relate?
I lived in New York City during my college years. Since I was from a small little country town in Pennsylvania I loved to escape the cement sidewalks by taking walks through Central Park. An Italian artist, Tatinana Trouve, identified 212 unique pathways throughout Central Park. No matter which path you take it’s always best to take along a friend for your safety. I’ve always been searching for safe people to do life with throughout each season of my life and especially on all of my moving adventures from state to state.
“Gosh, change is harder than I thought! Sometimes, I couldn’t tell which way was up. I needed wisdom. How do I know what to do?
Connected and Confident
When I was finally connected with a mentor my life began to change. She helped me work through my loneliness and find a new community each time I moved. It’s amazing how change exposes our true selves. It reminds us of how vulnerable we are—how much we need God and other people. It gives us courage and the confidence to reach out for support rather than trying to do life alone. Now, I spend my time confidently reaching out to others and trying to help them on their own life journey.
[easy-tweet tweet=”I’m convinced there is no better or safer place to be than talking out our greatest dreams and deepest fears with a trusted mentor.” user=”JaymeHull” hashtags=”#FTFMentoring”]John Maxwell writes, “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
If you truly want to grow, you need another person to allow you to speak out what’s in your heart without criticizing.
I encourage you to take a moment to quiet your heart.
Ask God
Ask God to give you insight into the areas you need to grow in, then jot down whatever He brings to your mind.
Let’s purpose together that when we stand before God one day, we’ll be able to joyously say,
“I used everything You gave me.” No unused talent. No hidden fears. No regrets . . . because, in community with other Christians, we relentlessly pursued growth.
Maybe you’re a risk-taker by nature—you jump first and think later. Or maybe you like to play it safe and can be paralyzed by the idea of change. No matter what your natural bent, wisdom is needed in navigating transitions.
Change is a part of life—we can’t escape it. But, we don’t have to do life alone.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.”
I love when Readers send me their mentoring stories and photos. Pictured above is Cherie who mentors and pours into Katie who is a High School Teacher. Katie is passing it on by encouraging and mentoring her High School students. Be encouraged. God desires to use your life experiences and stories to make a difference in the lives of others.
My heartbeat is to share the positive message of mentoring to help others live a life full of hope. Who knows? You may already have your mentoring relationship right in front of you! Let the story begin…
