It seemed she had no more than asked me when a huge hurdle came between us. Her request came only a short time before I was diagnosed with cancer. What followed was surgery, more surgery, emergency room, and then, to add insult to my already insulted body, six months of chemo.
Eventually we were able to meet on a regular basis. We review a chapter in the Bible together. Then we chat about a number of things. She asks me questions. I think sometimes, maybe sometimes, I give her adequate answers. About Scripture. About life. About being a teenager. About being wise. About loving God.
I've gained from this mentoring thing. She's been studying the Heidelberg Catechism in Sunday School. Hey! I've never even read it! I've been a Christian nearly all my life and have done some reading of Christian history. I've never read the Heidelberg Catechism but her study piqued my interest.
And so when Hubby brought home Kevin DeYoung's "The Good News We Almost Forgot" in which DeYoung lays out the Heidelberg Catechism I was tickled pink. What was extra special about this was that he bought TWO copies! One for himself and one for me. He knows I like to underline and circle and make notes in the columns. And he doesn't like it when I do that in HIS books! His solution was to buy two copies, one for him,one for me. Wise man, that Hubby!
Now my teen friend has gone off to work at Camp for the summer. I will miss seeing her but I know this summer will be a great adventure for her...new friends...new activities...new things to learn. She's going to be blessed by all of it. And while she's gone, I'll be reading the Heidelberg.
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12 comments:
I'm encouraged to hear about your mentoring relationship.
I've had my eye on Kevin DeYoung's new book. Two of his previous books have been a great help to me. Hope you post about this book.
Wow! What an inspirational story!
And you know, I'll bet that the timing was just perfect, you being diagnosed just shortly after her request for you to be her mentor. Just imagine how much wisdom and insight the teen has gained as a result of watching you traverse along this road!
Blessings to you, friend!
I'm not familiar with this book or the Heidelberg Catechism so I hope you will share what you learn here.
Your young friend is very blessed to have you as a mentor, and you should consider it a compliment that she chose you! Obviously, she sees something genuine and consistent in your life.
What a great honor to be asked to be someone's mentor. She must admire you a great deal. Hm. So do a number of blog readers...
What a worthy investment... sowing seed, one little life at a time. Truly, it's what we're to be about as Christians. The small and the near; not the big and the far. The greatest work we will ever do for the kingdom (I'm convinced) will be those occasions when we're willing to come alongside another and to impart life and light into his/her heart.
Keep to it; this is an inspiration.
peace~elaine
wow, I admire you both! Her for her courage and wisdom in asking you to mentor her. And you because God has given you much wisdom and knowledge to impart.
I was once involved in a church program which matched a younger woman with an older for mentoring. There was this one very Godly woman that I admired from afar but was always too shy to talk with her. Lo and behold, that's who I was matched with and it was such a blessed experience.
If only more women would realize the importance of mentoring in this day and age!!!!!! I know the Lord will use you as you leave footprints for this girl to follow in. I, too, am interested in this book. I'll have to get it!
Wonderful! I'm sure you'll enjoy that book and the memories of time spent with your mentee.
What a wonderful opportunity to mentor a young lady. You are the perfect person for the job!
What a wise young lady to seek out a mentor. Wiser still for choosing you.
That is a great honor, but I'm not surprised she asked you. :o) Just by reading your blog, I know you are a woman of great wisdom and integrity, and I have learned a great deal from you.
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