Reconnecting...

I’ve had so many conversations in the last couple weeks.  It has been great.  Some of them have been exhausting.  It is hard to see people I haven’t seen in so long.  We have chats about life in the last few years.  It isn’t always easy to talk about all of the hurts and joys of the last couple years.  

All of the talks are good.  Some of the conversations are incredibly uplifting.  I had a couple of those today.  I saw an old friend who was incredibly uplifting and inspiring.  She has such a connection with the father.  She was able to sit and listen to me share my story.  Afterwards she spoke such words of affirmation and wisdom into my life.  She spoke amazing words of encouragement for where I am right now.  Some days are really tough.  She understood; she empathized; she encouraged.  It was so amazing.

This afternoon I saw a mentor.  It was amazing.  I haven’t seen him in 2½ years.  He has had a stroke since then.  He looks great.  It was one of those chats that is so inspiring I left filled with emotion.  He walks with a limp now; he couldn’t shake my hand because of a brace on his arm; he talks with a bit of a slur.  Yet, the man is amazing.  He is still filled with such peace, such joy, such insight and wisdom.  

To be affirmed by a mentor is a powerful thing.  They hold the ability to mold you.  You willingly place your life in their hands asking that they craft you.  They offer themselves up to God to help guide your formation.  He has guided me.  He continues do so.  I’ve never had a real mentor.  I’ve always hoped for them.  This man has served as one like few others.  It was such a phenomenal chance to sit with him and catch up.  

God has blessed me with amazing friends, and teachers, and loved ones, and colleagues.  These weeks to reconnect with them have been powerful.