The person who has had the most
significant impact on my life is my father. He taught me almost everything I
know and has been with me through every step of my life. I have always
considered him my mentor. However, this past summer, my father encouraged me to
seek guidance from other places than just him. He supported the idea of me
being challenged by another man in addition to himself, someone who could
provide another prospective. He suggested a man named Marty Sherman. Now I’m
sure my mentoring relationship with Marty isn’t quite like yours as Marty lives
just outside Washington D.C. I don’t get to see Marty too often but we chat on
the phone every other week to catch up and discuss issues that both He and I
are going through.
Back in February, I had the unique
privilege of being invited to the National Prayer Breakfast. This event happens
once a year and is held in Washington D.C. During the time I spent in D.C., I
got to hear President Trump speak, meet Cubs World Series MVP Ben Zobrist and acclaimed
pastor Rick Warren, and attend other amazing functions. Although these were all
great experiences, the best part was that I got to spend a lot of 1 on 1 time
with Marty.
This time with Marty was wonderful
as we were able to engage in even deeper conversations, as well as discuss and
debate things going on in both of our lives (particularly mine). Marty is a
different kind of person. He’s rough on the edges and isn’t afraid to talk
about tough issues. Marty can befriend anyone and won’t shy away form an
opportunity to challenge or correct anyone. He is also incredibly knowledgeable
when it comes to the Bible and can offer rich, wise advice regarding almost any
situation. Being with him in person, I was able to be vulnerable with Marty,
telling him what I truly struggle with on a day-to-day basis. Marty understood
the issues I was struggling with, but like I said earlier, he was challenging
me to be better. Something Marty and I discussed regularly during my time in
Washington D.C. was Passion. He asked me what I am passionate about. Pondering
the question, I listed a few things. Sports, Music, Family. This was the center
of most our conversation as Marty challenged me to think about how I can do
what I am passionate about while loving and honoring Jesus. Although I still haven’t
completely figured this question out yet, it is some serious food for thought.
How can you do what you love while honoring Jesus? This is important for me, and
everyone reading this, as we’ll be out in the real world, looking for jobs, in
just a few years, if not less.
George,
ReplyDeleteYour relationship with Marty sounds like a pretty cool thing and it's awesome that you had reason to be in DC so you could spend some time with him. What you said at the end of your post about finding passion and how we'll be in the real world soon resonated with me. I have pondered this question consistently over the past few years. I think that it is often an unfortunate misconception that we have to go into some type of ministry in order to truly please God and honor Jesus. If there is one thing I have learned here at Wheaton, it's that we can honor Jesus and spread the Gospel through whatever God calls us to do. I hope that you continue to keep in touch with Marty.
Thanks for the great post George. I feel just like when you said that your father has had the most significant influence on your life. But I really love how you were able to find a solid mentor outside of your father. I'm glad you can have a mentoring relationship out of your family that challenges and motivates you. I also really appreciate you showing how we need to try and find something that we love to do while still honoring and serving Jesus. That really resonated with me.
ReplyDeleteGeorge,
ReplyDeleteMarty sounds like a cool dude, I felt like I could easily relate to you in the fact that my father as well has had the biggest impact on my life, and have always considered him my mentor. Recently, I as well have found another mentor other than my father that is blunt and tells it like it is, but is also wise and insightful. I really felt your last question tug at my heart and I've been pondering this same thing for months and months. I hope that we can discuss this question together as well as with our mentors! Looking forward to hearing more about your journey.
Mason
George,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your post. I think it is awesome how you found a mentor like Marty and can have valuable and in depth conversations with him. Personally, I also benefit more from surrounding myself with people who challenge me and who aren't afraid to be straight up with me. I feel that having that type of person mentoring us really helps us grow and exposes our weak areas. Can't wait to hear more about your relationship with Marty!
George,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about your mentorship. Marty sounds like and amazing person to have as a mentor. It seems like he really challenges you to dig deep and work through personal challenges. I look forward to reading more about your relationship.
Tyler
George,
ReplyDeletethat is a unique mentorship indeed. What I find really awesome is that your dad gave you the advice to also find someone else to speak into your life. I feel like a lot of us just try to only have 1 mentor when in reality the more Godly people we have speaking into our lives the better. I really enjoyed reading this blog and hope youre doing well. Tell Mr. Epstein i sad hi as well