My Zumba Lifegroup girls and I have recently been on a two month break of not meeting on a set topic or bible study. Since none of us can go more than a week without getting together, we decided to continue to meet throughout our break doing short devotionals composed of topics of interest to women. Some of these devotional-type lessons I wrote, and some were written by authors that really spoke to me. One of the lessons that stuck with me was on Mentoring. We explored what a mentor is, what a mentee is, what this relationship can look like and how we can go from mentor relationship to lasting friendships. One of the questions I asked of the group was, "Who is a current mentor of yours?" In unison, they all said a name that I've answered to for the last 40 something years-Susie. Although I was very flattered that they all considered me a mentor of theirs, it also made me realize the high calling that places on me.
As much as I would love to say I have the Christian walk down to a tee, I don't. There are days I am tired and feel completely inadequate, especially in my role of leading women on a larger scale. I often feel my gifts are more suited to smaller groups of 6 or less, but then God will quickly remind me that he is bigger than my self-made limitations. I feel blessed that God has entrusted me with so many wonderful women who also love the Lord and want to wholeheartedly live for him, but I often question the Lord on how long I can do this without a mentor of my own. I've had wonderful ones in the past, but for some reason there is none to be found for the last three years.
Finding a mentor sounds like an easy task. Look for that certain woman in the church who is leading bible studies, has grown children who have all gone to ivy league schools and she knits her own quilts for each grandchild. Haha, right! I realize there is no set model for a mentor, but it would be nice to have someone who has been there, done that, and done it well to help guide me with the struggles I face as a wife, mother and friend. AND...one I can actually hug if the need arises. I do know about 3 older ladies that I would give my right arm to have for a mentor, but all of them live far away from me right now. Currently one of them does mentor me through the wonderful technology of facebook, but I have no flesh and blood older woman pouring encouragement into me. Is that even okay? Someone actually asked me the other day, "Who is speaking and challenging you right now?" I guess I can't list Beth Moore for my biblical teacher, James Dobson and Kevin Lehman for my parenting professors, and Elizabeth George as my counselor on being the best wife and mother I can be. By why not? Who says I can't have virtual teachers, after all I have tons of wonderful virtual friends I've never actually laid eyes on who bless me with their words of wisdom and encouragement. Is this truly an epidemic for women or is it just me? At any rate, I want a mentor and I would love to have you by Christmas.
