Monday, May 28, 2018

The Mentors We Need as Mothers

My phone seems to have a mind of its own where it inadvertently dials random people at improbable times. One morning I noticed that it had dialed Barb.  About an hour later Barb called back, and we had a divinely inspired conversation.

You know those older women mentioned in Titus 2:3-5? Barb is one of those women; a teacher of good things. She has an unpretentious manner which makes you share without being judged; you just feel loved. We talked about parenting grown children - does it ever end? She understood what I meant.  We spoke about Proverbs 22:6 - training up a child in the way they should go and when they are old. I shared that sometimes I don't have the fortitude to withstand the training up, and then the gap of time as it
travels into when they are old. Because sometimes it seems like it's too much to handle.

There is a tremendous amount of time between the early training of a child, and when they are old or reach maturity.  In the interim, after doing your part, the only thing that makes sense is to pray and trust God. Motherhood is not for the faint of heart, because by trusting God with all aspects of parenthood you learn how to act when to act, and what to say or do.  The trajectory of our children's lives may be as anticipated - they hit the societal key milestones right on time, and it seems to come with ease. Or those milestones become arbitrary as they forge their own path while creating their own timelines. Regardless of what they go through, as a parent, we are the steady force in their lives. This dynamic mimics our spiritual relationship with our Heavenly Father, doesn't it? He is the constant force in our lives regardless of what we go through.

Barb listened; she understood as she has been there herself. She told me to keep praying and trusting God. She provided encouragement reinforced with scripture: "Her children rise up and call her blessed (Proverbs 31:28)." There's so much I'm learning about myself in this season of life where God uses motherly mentors and His word to teach and encourage me.  I'm so glad my phone accidentally dialed Barb.
Love is patient, love is kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4
...Instead, they should teach others what is good. Titus 2:3


Do you have Godly mentors in your life? Are you the mentor or the mentee? Do you think you're ever too old to be mentored? Are you able to share deep harrowing thoughts with friends without feeling judged or condemned?

10 comments:

  1. I've been blessed with several godly mentors. In fact, a few years ago, I realized my closest friends have almost always been years older or years younger than I am. I'm either being mentored or mentoring and I love it! God has poured so much of His love into my life through these wonderful women! <3

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  2. Mentoring is very close to my heart. When my daughter was a teenager, I was privileged to have two women in my life who were willing to mentor my daughter when I asked if they wouldn't mind doing so. My daughter was a sweet, Godly girl at the time, but I felt it important that she be mentored to grow that sweet, Godly spirit.

    At the outset of my empty nest years, I was the lead mentor for Mothers of Preschoolers at our church and I enjoyed immensely mentoring young moms.

    Just recently, I led a women's Bible study where two dear women, one who is 87 and the other who is in her mid-70s ministered to me in a way that I felt like I was mentored. Just gleaning from their wisdom learned after many years walking with the Lord.

    Thanks for sharing your story and for highlighting the immense gift of mentoring and being mentored.

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  3. A divine moment! So thankful for the mentors in my life. Parenting is not easy for sure. Have a great day!

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  4. Yes, praise the Lord, I do, but I often feel discouraged when I think things aren't going the way I would like! Great reminder and post, my friend. Time for me to host a coffee and invite some youngers and olders and share the wisdom alongside a good coffee cake. What's your favorite? (:

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  5. Still deep in the mothering journey, but I try to be available to bend an ear, especially when someone comes to me with the,"What did YOU do when . . ." about the little boys in their lives.
    Blessings to you, and thanks for this tiny push. I need reminding.

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  6. What a great post! I don't have children yet but I know I will need encouragement and a mentor when I do -- and I pray God will give one to me. Thank you for sharing this over at GraceFull Tuesday!

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  8. I'm in that pre-kiddo sweet spot that's gonna change soon and I've been looking at the need to parent them in spirit before they are born. I haven't been a great mama at that. And by that I mean praying for them, their lives, friends etc even before they're born.

    Once they're earth bound, everything will be a flurry I suppose.

    I love that we get to do this with friends and olders who encourage along the way <3

    Also, your notes from your daughter section is awesome. Chica can write. And so wise :-)

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  9. I've been blessed with mentors of all ages and am so thankful for them! Recently, my 80 year old neighbor made her way across the street after dark with oxygen in hand to knock on my door and ask me how I was doing. We sat in my living room for an hour sharing with each other our trust in the Lord and how He has carried us through our current trials. We read scripture, swapped recipes, and encouraged one another. I am so blessed!

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  10. Yep! The most difficult part about parenting is the training up--and then knowing when to let go! I'm glad for godly women in my life to help me understand how to step back and just pray.

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