Good morning, Tribe! It’s Friday!

What part have you played in advancing others through life on this earth?

Parent / Grandparent?
Pastor?
Officer of the law?
Mentor?
Teacher?
Bar tender?
Coworker?
Boss?
Friend?
Counselor?

If you’ve had a vested interest in another soul to help them get from one point to the next on this earth, you know what it feels like to move someone through a rough time in life.
•Maybe it’s a 5 minute mention in passing to get past a daily gripe.

•Maybe it’s a 30 minute conversation over lunch where you confide regarding a financial concern with a buddy.

•Maybe it’s chatting with a parent about college or career choices.
•Maybe it’s pillow talk with your spouse about the next days plans or an argument that wasn’t resolved earlier in the week.

•Maybe you see a paid professional who unties the knots that life twists you up with.

Whoever and however this transpires, we all need someone to lean on.

I used to feel like the spring in an old manually wound alarm clock that was just at the brink of being twisted too tight where if the end were to snap off, you’d go “oops”, chuck the clock in the garbage and move on. I valued the discussion with the right coconspirator to keep me from making that last and fateful twist.

Last night I had one of those moments. A mentee who has made me, his teachers, his parents and his coworkers exceedingly proud of his accomplishments shared his concern about the tension in my spring. “Can I share that I’m concerned about you, old man?” he asked with a serious tone I’ve seldom heard.

We shared a nice meal, a drink or two, traded war stories, recalled the first time we enjoyed a cigar together and a few high spots along the way. I heard about some of the traditions developed under my leadership continuing where other mentees are being honored for their impact.

I was reminded of the benefit I contributed during my tenure at a previous workplace. Then I was encouraged to go do it again. In Teddy Roosevelt style, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you’re at.”

Instead of looking back wishing things hadn’t changed, I’m slowly letting the positive memories percolate to the top. Its helping me find peace looking back, excitement looking forward  and grace looking up.

Have a blessed weekend!