I read an article about a middle-aged Japanese man who offered his services online. You can hire him for $12.00 an hour to seek his advice about life or do a chore – like an uncle. He thought his clientele would be young men, and was surprised when twenty to fifty year old women sought his wisdom.
In my Youth Ministry days, I remember an all-day training a young summer intern and I attended. The instructor said, “Every youth leader needs a 45-year old mom who will advise them ‘you probably shouldn’t do that.’” I leaned over to her and whispered, “that’s me.” We literally laughed out loud.
The old saying, “I’ll be a Monkeys Uncle” was uttered in disbelief of an impossible situation. We might say this when hearing the Japanese “Uncle” is booking 50 to 60 appointments a month. But, in a society where the family unit is different, socialization is wired, and loneliness is prevalent, is it any wonder we are seeking wisdom and assistance from someone who has knowledge and has been there?
I am drawn to women who have questions or need advice, whether I am selling a product as a career or life coaching. I lean in to hear them and let them know “I’ve been there” and can relate to how they are feeling. I’m the village chief that the tribe can go to for guidance, comfort, a listening ear, or to say “you probably shouldn’t do that.”
Are you available to others when they approach you? Are you in a position to give of yourself from a place of wisdom in a way they will hear you? Or is it time to release whatever is holding you back from being available?
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