Some schools resume as early as next week in the U.S. Others will open in the coming weeks, some later still. Some, in theses uncertain times, have postponed starting, 
or decided to launch their fall terms online. The only thing that’s still certain, that never changes, is our responsibility to care for the next generation, to set them moving in the right direction.
After some years off from teaching, I’ll be meeting my new mentee tomorrow! We were matched-up by a local social service organization. How do I feel? Scared. And excited. And not just because of the pandemic, or because of my busy writing and producing schedule. But because of the responsibility that comes with impacting another life, no matter what form 
the teaching or mentoring may take.
But in the end, we as parents, teachers and mentors, must let the arrow fly and trust the Archer of souls.
“You may give them your love but not your thoughts,
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls,
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow,
which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
The Archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,
and He bends you with His might
that His arrow may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the Archer’s hand be for gladness;
For even as He loves the arrow that flies,
so He loves also the bow that is stable.”
~Khalil Gibran
How lovely that you are a mentor, Mitch. <3 for tomorrow. Khalil's words are profound and thank you for sharing because I had not seen these thoughts of his before.
Thank you, Jane. I’ll take all the good wishes and prayers I can get!
My grandson was supposed to go back to school this week! Seems early, but then they got out REALLY early. 😉
Love the Gibran – timeless message.
Blessings and good luck. Thanks for serving the community this way and choosing to influence a young life. Love the Gibran verse.
Thanks, Russ. I’ll take all the blessings and prayers I can get!
Wow! This message is exactly what I needed to read today. Khalil Gibran’s quotation is going on my fridge door as a reminder to keep trusting the Master Archer – one day, one arrow at a time. As a foster parent, I’ve been uneasy about school starting up again. I wish there were more than a like button – I love this. The quote is a great reminder of all the reasons I do what I do. Blessings to you and your young mentee.
So glad it spoke to you, Manette. Thank you, and blessings to you in your work with kids, as well.
Good choice of poem to accompany this post! I hope you enjoy your role as mentor.
Thank you, Liz!
You’re welcome, Mitch!
Thank you! A lot of anxious thoughts over here concerning school. 🙏
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It’s the same here. Will be interesting to see how many parents defy the government threats of fines.
Hmm. Indeed it will.
What a beautiful piece by Khalil Gibran. He is one of my favorites.
I opted to homeschool my kids this year… which I’ve done off and on anyway, but it is a terrifying responsibility. I can completely relate!
Good luck to you. May the peace of God rule your heart as you move forward. Blessings!
Aw, thank you, Beck. You too!
Love this message!
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Thank you
Beautiful! And I have no doubt you will be a terrific mentor.
Thank you, Ann.
In the NYC area teachers are uneasy. They stopped reporting how many school employees died after it reached 100 in the spring. Regardless it is a concern.
Indeed it must be. Scary times for teachers.
Yay Mitch! So glad you’re doing this. I know the kids you’re going to mentor and you’ll be a wonderful person for him. He has a really sensitive spirit.
How cool,Colleen. Do you know him from the College Hill youth group?
He was in our tutoring ministry. Cindy Carlson tutored him then became a mentor to stay in touch, but hoped he would get a man as he got older. She can tell you a lot about him.
Cindy’s the one who thought of me; she’s already told me some things about him. We started officially last week, but have our first mentor/mentee this week. Thanks, Colleen!
Congratulations on mentoring! I hope your first day goes splendidly.
Thanks, CL!
This is a nice article! Much needed during this time. I found an article that has been helpful for distance learning. May I share it with you?
Of course.
Ok. Let me know if you like it and what you like about it:
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/teenagers/ask/distance-learning/
Ah, I see. No, sorry, I’m not a fan of the Jehovah’s Witnesses organization or its teachings.
We are never ready for anything new yet we get on it to get a grip. Great post!👌❤️