A couple weeks ago I looked at a younger friend and told him he was doing well. Last week I started working with an intern, showing her how I approach video as storytelling. Last week I encouraged another younger friend to explore a new way of thinking about career.

I do these things because they were done for me at crucial turning points. I know how much the words of people with experience helped me. Cliff and Reid and Charles gave me hope.

It’s a long tradition, hope-giving.

Peter was the loud one of the closest followers of Jesus. And ended up as the first leader of the group. Peter wrote a couple of letters to people he wanted to encourage. Toward the end of the first one, 1 Peter, he starts talking to leaders, elders he calls them. “Fellow elders,” he says, identifying with them though he had the right of first among equals. And as he talks to these leaders, he tells them about being shepherds. His words suggest he is talking about shepherding people the way he learned about shepherding people–from shepherd Jesus.

Then Peter gives his autobiography:

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

Peter’s not offering a pep talk. He’s describing the night that Jesus told him, “You are going to be tested. But I’m praying for you. You are going to turn away from me. But when you turn back, be one that strengthens others. ” And he was (tested). And he did (turn away). And he was (brought back). And he is (strengthening others).

Even after the cock crowed, Peter was restored by Jesus.

There’s hope for us, too.