Sunday, August 21, 2011

The "Other" Help


I recently heard that coincidence is God's way of remaining anonymous. With this in mind,two situations occurred a few days ago that caused me to think that this might be a train of thought worth pursuing,
I came across a quote in one of my daily readings that touched a chord: "Teachers arise from somewhere within me that is beyond me, the way the dark soil that is not the root holds and feeds the flower." Later that same day, Max and I were walking in Hamilton and a group of young people were interviewing passersby about their feelings regarding the place of mentorship. I wondered if the action of established individuals in assisting those just beginning their professional lives might not be like the soil that supports the root and allows it to take valuable nutrition (information) which in turn enables the plant (person) to grow effectively.
Apart from the idea of mentorship and teaching only being in the prescribed confines of a classroom or a boardroom, what about the daily opportunities we have to share valuable insights without even being aware. We can engage in any number of personal interactions which may have a positive effect beyond what may be immediately evident: a smile, a courteous word or action, a thoughtful gesture to a stranger may make a difference beyond anything we might imagine or even intend. Often what we remember is the fact that someone cared to notice and act.
There was a catch phrase a few years ago which is still very true today: every day contains innumerable opportunities for random acts of selfless kindness. I can think of no better way to mentor the world. Do you agree?