I recently had the opportunity to ask a family friend to be my mentor. I have known Brian Robinson since I was in high school, and although I have known him for only a few years, I feel like I have known him since I was a young kid. Me and Brian have lots in common. We are both sports enthusiasts, we love food, and we think alike in terms of how we go about doing things. Sounds like somethings most guys can relate over, however, I think we get along so well because we value the same things and have the same interests. Because of this I asked him to be my mentor.
Brian is a man of integrity and has a work ethic that is unlike any other. He also has so much experience in the business world as well as the navy. He is fearless and is the type of guy who isn't afraid to try new things. Because of this, he has built up quite a resume and has become so knowledgeable in the fields that he has been a part of. Brian currently works as a sales agent for a technology company in D.C.
Brian and I try to talk on the phone once a week, and we have talked a few times already, since asking him to be my mentor. Our conversations are so insightful and I value them so much because he is able to really challenge me and get me thinking about different areas of life. The thing I value the most is how he continually asks about my relationship with God through all the challenges and decisions I face. I am heading into my last year at Wheaton and am thinking about what I want to do after college and I too often leave my relationship with God on the bench while I deal with these big decisions. Brian explained to me how he did the same thing I did, and it took him a lot of time to recover his relationship with God. Brian's experience has already been so helpful to me as he has been challenging me, and I look forward to our future conversations.
Garrett,
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome you feel like you've known Brian longer than you even have. Having that type of relationship with someone can be incredible helpful as you look for a mentor.
I'm excited for you that he is someone who is so passionate of God and wants you to be in relationship with him. That is something I have had to seek out as well as I look for good mentors in my life. I pray for you as you seek to say alongside God as you make the big life decisions in your life. That self awareness you have if incredible, and I pray for you through it.
Kevin
James Garrett VanderWaal,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about your friend Brian, and some of the conversations you've engaged in with him. It's easy for me to relate to you and what you said regarding leaving your relationship with God on the bench while you're facing challenges. I do this far too regularly. However I am getting better at realizing that when challenges arise, I need to lean on God instead of pushing him away. Spending time in prayer and seeking advice from God can help you push through adversity and become a better man through it!
George
James,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing a little about your relationship with Brian. It's amazing to hear the kind of relationship you two have together sharing both life and your relationship with Jesus together. As life after college approaches for us all I think many of us naturally tend to put God on the bench and we don't fully surrender to what he has planned for us. Im excited to hear more about what you and Brian talk about in your future posts and keep seeking God and he won't lead you astray.
Chase.
Garrett (I'm not saying James that's weird),
ReplyDeleteIt's great you are looking forward to your conversations with Brian. I think it's huge that you understand and recognize that you have a tendency to place God aside when making decisions. The first step in solving a problem is identifying it. From there, you can grow in your relationship with Christ and hopefully lean more on Him in making future decisions. Sounds like Brian is helping you with this stuff which I am very happy to hear.
Ben
James,
ReplyDeleteThat is awesome you have found a mentor who you can look up to and who can inspire you not only in your career choice but spiritually as well. It is such a blessing to have somebody in your life that can help guide you as you can learn from their mistakes. It is a tough decision to make regarding our futures and what we want to do. I want to encourage you to keep pressing into God and lean on Brian and let him guide you as God is using him in your life. I am happy to hear that Brian is having an influence in your life.
Daniel
Garrett, your relationship with Brian sounds like its been a really great thing for you. Realizing that you place God to the side sometimes is important in helping you strengthen your relationship with Him and rely on Him to help you through decisions more often.
ReplyDeleteMason