When I was transitioning from the military to the private sector, I interviewed for several jobs. I was thrilled when I received three job offers, all of which promised a hopeful future. The problem: I didn't know what I wanted my future to be. One of the interviewers, who would become a dear friend and mentor, said, "Consider this opportunity as your transition job. You don't have to turn this job into a career, but you can work hard, learn a lot, build your resume, and use this time to determine what you really want to do."

It was great advice, which I followed. Two and a half years later, I resigned from that job and enrolled as a full-time seminary student. Over the course of several years, she helped me flesh out my personal, professional, and spiritual needs, and I will forever be grateful for that job opportunity and her mentorship.

Often we don't know what we truly need. An effective mentor can gently guide us through those times of uncertainties in life. But ...