A Mini-lesson in Sewing and Mentoring

In my work as a sewing teacher I spend a fair amount of time helping students know where to put their hands while they sew. This may sound basic, but in machine sewing hands can really help or they can get entirely in the way of the process.

Sewing machines have a mechanism called feed dogs, which are a set of metal “teeth” that rotate in tandem with the needle. Their function is to feed the fabric along under the needle. Most new sewists understandably try to push the fabric where they want it to go, not realizing this is unnecessary if the feed dogs are engaged. But just because hands aren’t necessary for feeding the fabric along doesn’t mean they don’t play an important role. Actually, without the sewist’s hands seams would be all over the place! Strategically placed hands are necessary for guiding the fabric, so seams follow the intended path for an attractive end product.

Can you see the similarities in your calling to work with the youth? At first (since we used to do it this way) you may feel it’s your responsibility to make everything happen: planning activities, sending reminders, teaching all lessons, filling in where things aren’t getting done. Then, as you learn about the new initiative in Children and Youth you may mistakenly think your calling isn’t necessary at all! If the feed dogs are working (more responsibility for class/quorum presidencies, family-centered personal development and gospel study) do you really need to do anything at all? Or is it mostly on the parents and youth now?

Guiding hands are needed. Your guiding hands and experienced wisdom can help youth achieve an attractive end product. What does this look like? In sewing there’s a place for each hand: one often keeps the fabric wrinkle-free and smooth near the needle; the other is keeping track of the seam guide, making sure the project is lined up to go where it should. Sometimes, when fabric is extra thick or finicky, a hand is temporarily needed from behind, to give an extra nudge aiding the feed dogs in their work to get through a tricky spot. Adult leaders’ guiding hands have places they are most useful, as well:

• They are at every planning meeting; not taking over or providing all the ideas, but steering the discussion to help the planning stay on path. This involves asking questions that help youth see what obstacles their plans might encounter, what purpose they are accomplishing, or what resources will be necessary.

• They are present at all activities and lessons. Their role is to support, model, remind, encourage, and help the youth later review what went well and what could be improved.

• They are invaluable at smoothing out the wrinkles: a youth intimidated by leading will appreciate extra support to know what to do, and to catch the vision of what they can achieve; when plans are made but the adult leader can see problems, an extra conversation to help a youth think through the process again might be needed; and as our youth learn to minister, adult guidance for building unity can make a difference.

• Having walked the covenant path a bit longer than the youth, adult leaders know where the pitfalls are and can help a struggling youth over the “tricky spots”. This may involve counseling, extra time, positive encouragement, and always sincere love.

Your engaged presence is what is meant by “mentoring” the youth. The feed dogs are working and you don’t need to do it all yourself. But with your support every step of the way our young leaders will grow in confidence and ability, and be more engaged than ever in the work of salvation.