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Silent Mentors

 

Two sure fired “eye rollers” in our house:

  1. My Dad, Mom. Uncle, Grandmother would say…..

  2. Quotes of advice from a ‘non-fiction’ book …..

 

I have never been a fan of fiction.

When you scan my library shelves, you may possibly find a “6-pack” of fiction.

You will find, however, books on clowning, original humor, real-life stories of entertaining incidents. Oh yes, for those of you who know me well, COOKBOOKS. Not to mention many books on “stewardship”—of the land, of our money, of the ocean, and of the forest. Christian stewardship is a varied and wide topic.

And yes, you will find Bibles: many Bibles. If you are clergy, you are sure to be the repository of people’s Bibles. (What do you do with old Bibles? You give them to the local minister. There is a message here, somewhere!)

You will also find a variety of “treasured Bibles” on my shelves—those given to my mother and siblings departing Scotland, attested to their faith. The Bible given to me by my parents, with the zipper closing. The one from my mentor-priest, for my internship. They go on: including The New Testament from my ordaining bishop.

You  will find other books - by a variety of authors, recents being Mitch Albom, Boyd Varty, and Robin Sharma. When I glance over my shoulder, I “hear” the silent voices of Herbert O’Driscoll, William J. Bausch, Brian McLaren. And, just for fun: Paul Cowan’s ‘How the Scots Created Canada.’

And, you will find a plethora of other collectables: each with a mentor’s note, or a mental note, of what it represents. The carving of St. Francis; the tractor from our little daughter; the Saskatchewan License Plate; the BC License Plate with the letters R-M-D (Rural Municipal District) resounding with silent words of guidance. There are family pictures: my father’s Masonic Certificate; a framed photo of St. Paul’s Sunday School children’s handprints - their words of wisdom are most profound.

Each person, object, picture has become a member of my “silent board of directors.” Throughout the years, they have provided guidance and direction to all facets of my life. They have been/ are with me in times of celebration, and sorrow, with insights to guide, unswervingly, in every hour of the day.

My plan is to continue this life-journey with them.

Take a moment. Look around you. Who makes up your “silent board of mentors”?

Blessings,
Archdeacon Brian+