Footsteps of My Father

            Recently, I took a trip to the beach with my family.  It was late in the afternoon and not particularly sunny, so the area was deserted and quiet – ideal for a peaceful stroll down the long stretch of sand.  After I had walked a few hundred feet, I turned around to see my four-year-old son enthusiastically trying to follow in my sandy footprints.  Obviously at a disadvantage with his small stature, he was not very accurate in his task.  His stride was much shorter than mine, so he would take many extra running steps in order to make the leap to my next footprint.  Looking back on the tracks of his journey, I saw anything but a perfect path, but this “follow-the-leader” game served its purpose. You see, if my son had gone too far to the left he would have been in danger from the incoming tide.  And if he had gone too far to the right, he would have found himself walking on the rocks, and his journey would have been, to say the least, very uncomfortable.  But as long as he stayed within my footprints, he was safe.  He may not have followed my path with great accuracy, but he used it as a guide, and it kept him on course.

            This experience paints the picture of what a mentor’s role is all about.  A mentor is one who leads by example, shows you the way, and keeps you on course.  A mentor has the capability to help make the journey less dangerous and perhaps a little more comfortable.  He or she doesn’t do the job for you, but presents you with a model that can guide your efforts.  Yes, even while following your mentor, you may stumble.  But just like a child, in time your stride will widen, as you grow in confidence and experience.  Combine your personal growth with a mind and heart that are focused on the right footsteps to follow, and personal success is sure to be your destination.