Wednesday, June 11, 2014

On being mentored and mentoring...


It was the very first grown up ladies' Bible study I had ever attended.  The teacher was in her seventies. She and her husband were retired missionaries, serving on staff at the church where my husband and I helped with the youth.  I was the youngest woman at the Bible study and felt a little shy and awkward and out of place.  But, that didn't last long because the love of the Word of God in the teacher sparked a hunger for the Word of God in me.  I became an eager listener, an eager learner.  Like my teacher, I fell in love with God's Word.

A half decade later, we were on full time staff at a church on the Oregon Coast.  The pastor's wife believed we could sing, and so my husband and I joined the choir and also were in a trio with the pastor's wife.  We actually sang for a big crusade that was broadcast on the radio.  Sometimes all it takes to do something you've never done before, to do something you never thought you could do, is for someone else to believe you can and to not take no for an answer.

Probably that pastor's wife learned her tactics from her mother.  Grandma Johnson, as everyone called the pastor's mother-in-law, was in charge of the ladies' Bible study.  She approached me about team teaching the study with her.  Like her daughter, she believed I could and, lovingly, didn't seem inclined to take no for an answer.  She would teach one week, and I would teach the next.  I discovered that I not only loved to read and study God's Word, but I loved to teach it.  In fact, if you ask me when I feel the most like I'm in the sweet spot of using my God-given gifts, it's when I'm teaching God's Word.  I'd have never discovered that without Grandma Johnson's influence.

I just told you three examples of women who influenced me greatly, who, though they never called themselves my mentor, were each one mentors to me in one way or another.  I can think of several other examples of women who mentored me in various ways over the years and I am so grateful for each one.  In turn, I've mentored quite a few women over the years as well.  I've taught them God's Word.  I've taught marriage and parenting classes.  I've had them over to my home and been in their homes.  I've rejoiced in their successes and mourned their pain, loss and even failure.  I've seen them serve God faithfully and eventually become leaders themselves, others I've painfully seen wander from the faith.  As the apostle John wrote, there is great joy in seeing my "children" walk in truth.

This week our oldest granddaughter turns eleven.  When the weather forecast for the Oregon coast called for sun and a great discount coupon on a room at our favorite hotel arrived in my email, I decided I should take her for an impromptu getaway to the coast.  As much as I rejoice in seeing those that I might call my spiritual daughters walk in truth, my first line of responsibility in mentoring  is to those in my own household.  In my case, that would be my own three daughters and now I must take seriously my influence on the next generation, my grandchildren.  This is what struck me as I read Paul's letter to Titus and his admonishment for the older women to teach the younger.  I didn't just think of the women I mentor at church, but of my granddaughters.  I have a reverential fear of God about my responsibility to pass on to them my love for God, my passion for His Word, my love for His church, and my love for home and family.  This is not only my responsibility, but my great privilege and joy.



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at 3-D Lessons for Life



22 comments:

  1. Elizabeth,
    Thank you for this beautiful post about mentors. I'm like you in that I've been mentored by quite a few, but your post reminded me to look back and count the gifts of those that I've had the privilege to mentor. Sometimes I feel like I'm not active enough in this area of my life, but your writing reminded me that the five little ones I have in my own home are the most important right now. Thanks you for sharing and thanks for linking up with Holly. I did the same at http://reflectinghisglory.com/?p=3393

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    1. Being mentored and mentoring others has been such a blessing. I think we need to realize it's not always clearly defined. It's about who is influencing me and who am I influencing, not about the title, "mentor".

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  2. Love how you included your granddaughters! So important!! Beautiful post.

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    1. Thanks, Nannette! Being a grandparent has been one of my greatest joys in life!

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  3. Memories she'll treasure forever, Elizabeth - both the lessons you teach, and the precious one-to-one times with Grandma. God bless you xx

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    1. Thanks, Chris. I love my time with my grandkids and I think they love it too!

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  4. Beautiful, Elizabeth. Thanks for sharing.

    Debbi

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    1. Thanks for being such a blessing to me, Debbi!

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  5. What a lovely testimony to mentors and what a great gift to your daughters and granddaughters!

    Did we meet at Jumping Tandem? I have a note in my phone about your blog and I keep trying to remember where I met you.

    Mary
    http://www.marybonner.net

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    1. Yes, we did meet at Jumping Tandem! I can't wait to go again and hope to see you there!

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  6. Elizabeth - I always love when I see your picture in the link before mine! I know I am going to find a nugget to treasure & this post was no exception! I wrote about my granddaughter this morning as well. Yours is slightly older than my oldest one. But this post spoke deeply into my own heart that I am on the right track in spending time with my little ones. No better investment to make than into the lives of our families. Loved seeing your photos too. May God's hand be upon each seed you have planted into your granddaughter's heart!

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    1. I loved your post! Enjoy your time with your girlie!

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  7. Such a lovely post, Elizabeth. It drew me back to those dear women who've loved on me. Thank you!

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    1. Thank you, Julie! I think mentoring is done by those who have influenced and taught us even if the relationship hasn't been formally defined.

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  8. Leaving a wonderful legacy of God's love and Your love is the most precious gift you can give. Good job.

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    1. Thanks, Sharon. I know your grandchildren are blessed to be close to you as well.

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  9. Beautiful post, as always. I'm so thankful for people who invested in my life. Your words challenged me to continue to do the same. Especially with my granddaughters.
    ~Adrienne~

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    1. Thank you, my friend. What a blessing that God has all of your grandchildren nearby again.

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  10. Wonderful post that shines a light on the role we can have as women. I have the same desire to be a part of my grand-daughter's life.

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  11. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Your encouragement is appreciated!

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