There are parts of my life where I look back and think, “I wish I had done differently. I didn’t know. If only someone had told me.”
For example, when I was a newlywed, I naively expected wedded bliss. Imagine my surprise when our first Thanksgiving came and my husband and I couldn’t decide whose family we would celebrate it with. This led to our first serious argument because neither of us would compromise. All of my friends appeared to be happily married so I figured something was wrong with us and felt incredibly discouraged.
There’s the instance when I first became a mother. I expected sleepless nights, frequent feedings and diaper changes, and feeling tired. What I was not prepared for however was colic … incessant crying for hours which could not be consoled. Every baby I saw appeared to be content and their mothers seemed to have parenting down to a science. I cried a lot and felt like a failure because I couldn’t figure out what I was doing wrong.
In retrospect, I realize my first mistake was repeatedly thinking that I had a problem … a unique problem. The reality is that there aren’t perfect spouses or perfect parents. While trying to figure out things like marriage and parenthood, there will be hiccups and everyone experiences them at one point or another. Had I talked to someone who knew these things, I would not have let my emotions get the best of me in each instance causing me to feeling defeated.
When I decided to home school my children, I was scared out of my mind. However, unlike the previous scenarios I described, I was able to navigate through the ups and downs with a lot more confidence thanks to a precious godly woman who had home schooled her six children. Debbie was someone I could trust to provide wisdom and counsel. She answered ALL of my questions, directed me to amazing resources, prayed for me, and encouraged me. What a blessing! God had given me a mentor and suddenly, the journey seemed possible for me.
Now my heart’s desire is to share my life lessons with the women in my life. Rather than seeing others become overwhelmed and feel as if they are the only ones on such a journey, it is a gift to instruct and inspire them based on my experiences.
No matter what of phase of life we’re in: single or married, trying to decide a career or find a better job, becoming a new parent or parenting teenagers, trying to lose weight or run a marathon, we can all benefit from someone who’s experienced in that area to help us navigate through these circumstances.
His Word instructs: “Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as … models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives.” (Titus 2:1-6 MSG)
Maybe you find yourself in a position like me where you have gone through experiences which you can impart to others less experienced. Before you think you’re not qualified, all it takes is a heart that loves God, His Word, and his people. Prayerfully become a mentor. “The heart of a mentor is about how much you pour into others.” (David Stoddard)
Or maybe you find yourself in need of knowledge to make important decisions in your life. Before you think it’s embarrassing to ask for advice, Proverbs 11:14 says “Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.” Prayerfully seek out a mentor. “Mentoring is a brain to pick, an ear to listen, and a push in the right direction.” (John C. Crosby)
Our group, Whispers and Fringes, has mentoring available to those of you on the journey of faith and womanhood. Please contact us if you are interested by sending a message via FB or an email to info@waf-current.local. We are here to empower you!
~Joyce