One of the exercises we ask our in-training mentors to complete is a reflection on who has built into their lives. It is well worthwhile taking some time to think through who your mentors have been, what it is that they imparted to you, and how they did it.
Mentoring is not always intentional, neither is it always personal. Some mentors are writers, theologians, musicians and poets who have no idea of what they have contributed to the lives of others. Some have been gone for some time. One of the most influential men in my life is George Macdonald. I have learnt much from his fiction, poetry and sermons. While this is mentoring of sorts, it really doesn’t quite fit the concepts I sit most comfortably with. These include a level of relationship and intentional input toward growth.