The picture symbolizes passing or transformation of knowledge and wisdom from the old to the young. 
 
Did you notice the old man is sitting on solid rock, whereas the young boy is sitting on wood?  This is a symbol that the old man has a solid foundation through life's experiences and the little boy's foundation is not of the same quality because wood is not enduring to stand the test of time. Rocks are enduring.  The boy has very little life's experiences.

 

The old man sees this great book source of inspiration; a spiritual guide, an instrument that serves as the center of gravity to his process of developing the young boy to be the best he can be.  The Mentor understands the value that "Each One Must Reach One To Teach One". 

Notice how focused the old man is on his goal to make this happen.
 
Did you notice the direction of the old man's eyes and the position of his hands as he shares knowledge, wisdom, and experiences with the little boy?  This symbolizes  deep introspection and reflective thinking about the roads of the past in order to prepare the little boy for the future. Now notice the position of the little boy's head and eyes gazing into the distance taking in the great knowledge, wisdom, and experiences of his Mentor;  But thinking at the same time how he would apply this  newly discovered learning to the future. 

 

Effective mentoring should create the sponge effect.  The end state is that the mentored absorbs understanding and a new perspective.
 
Did you notice that the front door of the house is cracked partially open?  This symbolizes the knowledge and wisdom opening future doors of opportunity for the little boy.  But the little boy must have the personal courage and faith to walk through the door by applying learning from his trusted Mentor.
 
 Oh by the way, did you notice the little dog underneath the little boy's legs?  This symbolizes the friendship, bond, and unconditional love between the Mentor (old man)  and Mentored (little boy).  Remember as they say the dog is man's best friend!
 
If the little boy was rolled over onto his side in his current seated position,
then he would now be in the fetal position as one would be at birth.  The
untapped reservoirs of growth and development within the little boy are mere forms of rebirth or renewal to start him down the right path of life.
 
Did you notice the reflective ray of light on the picture?  This symbolizes
hope, prosperity, and a bright future ahead.  "Optimism".  God said let there be light and there was light.  The old man is carrying out God's will as the consummate servant and steward to mankind.
 
Finally, did you notice the pillar connecting the front porch and the roof of the house?  This symbolizes strength of character, and being upright, and proud.  The old man (Mentor) is in the business of character building; building pillars of knowledge and wisdom within the little boy, his beloved friend.

 

Author: Cornelius Easter