When the Mentoring Partner is 86!
A 79 year old mentoring an 86 year old? I thought we were just enjoying our weekly get-together at “Tim’s” coffee shop, talking about the Lord and sharing what was going on in our lives. But after speaking with my friend Clayt, I realize that mentoring was indeed taking place…sometimes in both directions.
I’m Dean; Will is my friend. We’ve been friends for six years. I’m not sure how our “Coffee break at the office” began — (Note: we’re both retired and the “office” is Tim’s coffee shop). Early on, Will had lots of questions about the Scriptures…putting Bible-truth into his daily experience. From the start we agreed that it was Okay for me to say, “Good question; I don’t know the answer. Let’s try to find one”.
Here are several activities of our times together that take on Mentoring-like qualities:
*We meet regularly– 9 AM on Tuesday at Tim’s for about an hour is a priority for both of us. We don’t miss unless it’s necessary.
*Talking about past and present experiences is a major ingredient of our time together, along with sharing our future plans.
*Lending pamphlets and books: Will devours the reading materials I give to him. “I’ve read that booklet four times now”. These resources often provide a good basis for discussing aspects of our Christian walk.
*Laughing, caring, enjoying, sharing interests–all the healthy aspects of male friendship. Affirmation, encouragement and appreciation are often expressed, and these have helped develop a climate of trust.
*Joining in spiritual activities, especially praying. Example: I was leaving town for a month and I needed three medical procedures confirmed “this week”. I asked will to pray for me. By that afternoon, God had arranged all three appointments. I called Will, told him my good news. He told me how he had gone home, knelt by his favorite chair, and asked God to “get these done for Dean”. I was deeply moved, and so was Will…that, as he said, “God heard and answered my prayers”. That was a “WOW” moment for us.
*Planning special events together. Will endured a 12 hour bus trip to visit Bettyann and me when we had a three month ministry assignment in Vancouver, B. C. He stayed in our rented condo and joined me in my responsibilities as Chaplain for a university football team. We had a great time, but he did say, “Next time I think I’ll fly.” At 87 years of age, I think he has earned that. And by the way, Will even gave money to help us meet expenses while we were away from home.
I’m thankful for my friend Will, and I think the dear Lord Jesus enjoys joining us at Tim’s as we encourage each other to “walk humbly before our God”.
Still learning at 79 years,
Dean Johnson
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