Service

by Maureen Staiano

As we move through our lives we gather an abundance of knowledge and experience covering a myriad of areas. As we stop and reflect upon all this knowledge we may be struck with the desire to share with others our experiences and the knowledge we have gained. We know in our hearts that what we have gained in experience in our life could be of benefit. So in possession of this knowledge and experience and with the desire to share it, where do we start?

by Kenneth Rice

The Real Challenge

Disciples and mentors are both called to action. Disciples are called to learn or follow and mentors are called to teach or coach. Jesus called Simon and his brother Andrew into discipleship, "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." (Mark 1:17) Whereas Bell (2002) discussed how a mentor is called as a teacher, a guide, and a sage. (p. 10 – 14). As a mentor, a leader must show humility in that he or she can also learn from the protégé. Bell (2002) continued asserting that mentoring is about surrendering to the process rather than controlling it, mentoring is about “providing the gift of advice, and helping the protégé to become a self directed learner.” (p. xxi).

Some wise words from a great lady, a master healer, and most of all, my good friend, Dr. Whei Chue Shih:

Contribute

You should not try to conquer something
You should try only to contribute
No matter if you fail or succeed

This is a question that faces all of us, particularly as we are left trying to create lives of service that also satisfy our needs for survival. It can be answered only by first determining the value that we offer. And that is set by our intended consumer.