You who are young, be happy while you are young,
and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth.
-Ecclesiastes
I believe strongly in mentoring, and I had some good experiences with mentors in the past. Through these friendships I learned to recognize the importance of relationships and meaningful conversation. I cherish these memories and there is something that I learned from one of my mentors during my college years that has stuck with me. Young people often see things in black and white. That way of thinking and the pressure for academic achievement results in high rates of teenage suicide in Japan. Closer to home we have that same problem in our communities. An important part of transitioning to adulthood is learning to recognize the gray areas. If someone does not get accepted into an Ivy League school their lives are not necessarily doomed for failure.
Those who don’t learn to recognize the gray areas end up narrow minded and resistant to change. Sometimes they cannot recognize God’s larger purpose for their lives. If they don’t get it by middle age, chances are they never will. A good education will help young people broaden their world view. Faith-based mentoring, small group involvement and spiritual formation are an important part of the development process.
Dave Baker, GRIL Board