The movie, Finding Forrester, tells the story of a reclusive Pulitzer winning writer named Forrester (Sean Connery). After his bestselling first novel, Forrester locks himself in his apartment and away from the outside world. He lives off his royalties, reads, and writes an occasional article. To the children playing outside, Forrester is simply referred to as, the 'Window.' One day, Jamal(Rob Brown), a high school student, breaks into Forrester’s apartment and accidentally leaves his backpack behind.
Forrester opens the pack and discovers that Jamal is a budding writer. He edits several of Jamal's writing journals and later throws the backpack with the journals inside out the window as Jamal passes below. An unlikely relationship is struck. Forrester helps transform Jamal from a person with great potential into a person of accomplishment. Jamal similarly transforms Forrester.
As Forrester helps Jamal progress as a writer, he gave him some of his old essays to rewrite (with conditions attached of course). Jamal helps Forrester end his self-imposed exile.
Because of Jamal's encouragement, Forrester has the courage to go outside alone, ride his bike again, and even travel to visit his homeland, Scotland, before he dies of cancer. It is largely due to Jamal's friendship that Forrester writes a second novel just before his death. The final scene shows Jamal reading a letter from Forrester, who has already died.
Forrester writes: "While I may have waited until the winter of my life to see the things I have seen this past year, there is no doubt I would have waited too long, had it not been for you." Forrester spurred Jamal to become an accomplished writer while Jamal spurred Forrester to live his life fully. Mentoring goes both ways.
This is a movie worth watching next time you want to watch one. There are many interesting parts not added here due to our subject matter.
Moral of the story.
We are designed for relationship, and God grows us through the people who help us and through the people we help. By choosing to mentor others you enhance your own leadership skills and leave a legacy that will outlive you. The truth is, few things are as important and as fulfilling as pouring your knowledge and experience into another person such that it makes a huge positive difference in their lives.
Some of the specific benefits that accrue to mentors, researchers have found, include:
1. An enhanced sense of health and well-being; a sense of feeling valued, appreciated, competent and accomplished.
2. A sense of spiritual fulfillment; a deeper understanding and appreciation for one’s own children; and the satisfaction that comes from giving back to the community. Indeed, “he that waters will himself be watered.”
3. Retaining your value and relevance in your profession and also leave a legacy.
As you make concrete efforts to mentor others, the Lord will continue to replenish your store of wisdom and knowledge. He will grant you the grace to be a successful mentor and bless you as you do so, in Jesus’ name.
