A few months back while visiting family, I was able to take my grandsons to Home Depot for the Saturday morning workshop. I appreciate how they set up a table and provide materials and instructions for each child. At first I felt a bit disappointed as I thought we were attending a ‘class’ style event that had an instructor. But instead, they had a come-and-go set up. Parents are given the instructions and sit with their family to assist the kids in making the project.

How like our Heavenly Father! He doesn’t leave us on our own to figure this life out. He gives us His word as instructions and promises to walk with us. It’s our place to look to Him as our example.

But He didn’t stop there. He chose to give us a family. His family. And He asks us to walk it out together. He recognized that what one generation sees as standard, the next generation may have no clue what to do about it. So we need each other to help walk this out.

When Ralph was still a school teacher, he heard a poem quoted that he chose to hang onto and memorize. The poem left a lasting impression on both of us. It has become a banner cry from my heart when I think of mentoring. Recently I looked this poem up as we had only heard and learned an adaptation of the first portion of the poem. The remainder of the poem resonated just as strong in my spirit. And had me examining my own heart all over again.

I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day;
I’d rather one should walk with me than merely tell the way.
The eye is a better pupil, more willing than the ear;
Fine counsel is confusing, but example is always clear,
And the best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds,
For to see a good put in action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn how to do it if you will let me see it done;
I can watch your hand in action, but your tongue too fast may run.
And the lectures you deliver may be very wise and true,
But I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do.
For I may misunderstand you and the high advice you give,
But there is no misunderstanding how you act and how you live.

When I see a deed of kindness, I am eager to be kind.
When a weaker brother stumbles, and a strong man stands behind
Just to see if he can help him, then the wish grows strong in me
To become as big and thoughtful as I know that friend to be.
And all travelers can witness that the best of guides today
Is not the one who tells them, but the one who shows the way.

One good man teaches many; men believe what they behold;
One deed of kindness noted is worth forty that are told.
Who stands with men of honor learns to hold his honor dear,
For right living speaks a language which to everyone is clear.
Though an able speaker charms me with his eloquence, I say,
I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day. — Edgar A. Guest

When I get with my grandkids, I do my best to be present and active with them as I go about even daily tasks. Whether we are making cupcakes, cookies, or cake pops, I am involved with them and talking with them. If we go to the pottery house, I help them to choose paint colors and what to paint. And if they have a day where they are not getting along with their siblings, I do my best to help them think it through – what happened? what went wrong? what could prevent it? what can we learn? Wherever I am, I want to BE THERE!

Mentoring is to be active. Hands on. Involved. Committed to help someone else grow into their calling and gifting.

Mentoring is being Jesus with skin on.