Saturday, August 14, 2010

Never too big...

In a house with 4 small children someone is always too big - too big for their clothes, shoes, car- seat, toys...you get the idea! But that's the way it's supposed to be; their change in size is a sign of growth and for that I am thankful.

This is just the beginning of things that my kids will outgrow - if I look ahead ten years they will be too big for most everything we have in the house at the moment. I take it a step farther and think about all I've outgrown over the years, that list almost seems endless!

Over the last month God has shown me there are some things I will never be too big for with one of them being spiritual mentoring. No matter where we are on our walk of faith we have not arrived yet and never fully will this side of heaven. On this earth there will always be more to learn and I don't know about you, but I have a ways to go in the be like Christ department!

Someone is out there who is a step ahead, she (or he) has walked the road I'm on and God wants me to learn from her. Her experience and encouragement can teach me. He can show me things thru her example.

This past year, Leanne, one of my spiritual mentors, and I co-published a book, Letters from Leanne, that chronicles our spiritual mentoring relationship. And through this process, God has shown me so many things - He is in control, He can use ordinary people like me and His ways are wonderful. He has also reminded me that I always have room for improvement and He is constantly working in me. Some of these lessons are hard and the melting and molding can be painful, but it's all for a purpose, HIS!!

As I walk this road, I'm grateful for the constant role spiritual mentors play in my life - these people help me, they listen and keep me focused on what and who the journey is all about! My kids are growing physically and I'm grateful I'm maturing spiritually (and they are too - being a mom also means you are a spiritual mentor, but that's another post!), but I'm thankful I will never be too big for the blessing of spiritual mentoring!

And now as I see my 3 year old influence our little guy, I realize we're never too small for spiritual mentoring either, but that's a thought for another day....

Now for a give-away, leave a comment sharing your thoughts and be entered to win a copy of Letters from Leanne! We pray our story will encourage you to create one of your own!!

12 comments:

Joyful said...

Oh Jill, this book sounds so precious! I would love to win it. Besides the fact it would be like a b'day gift :), our church has been trying to get a mentoring program going and this sounds like such an encouragement. I have been in a mentoring relationship in the past and it's value is priceless. The title of your book alone makes me want to read it...I'm a "mail" girl.

Thanks for sharing this opportunity with me.
Blessings,
Joy

Kimberly said...

"He has also reminded me that I always have room for improvement and He is constantly working in me. Some of these lessons are hard and the melting and molding can be painful, but it's all for a purpose, HIS!!"

I am right there with you! There is some melting and molding going on in my life right now. Ouch. :)But I KNOW it will be worth the pain.

And you are so right, Jill. We are never at a place where we cannot use a mentor. I am so excited about scheduling a lunch date soon with one of my dearest friends and mentors! She is a sweet gift from the Lord.

Thank you for doing this giveaway. I know whoever wins your book will be BLESSED!

Love,
K

Anonymous said...

Jill,
This is Jill...I've been a mentor in the past and would love a chance to win you book...sounds so good!!

my email is blessedjill2002@yahoo.com

Thanks!

Krista said...

As I have grown from my own experience with wonderful mentors, I have realized that I'm slowly also graduating into the phase where it is also my turn to mentor others.

Thanks for your giveaway. I'd love to be entered.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a wondrful book and what an honor! I have 4 daughters and 1 daughter in law and my wish is that in some way I mentor to them (or if not to them to someone)by my blog ministry. Would love to win the book, read it and pass it on to my girls!

safe said...

Hi Jill, My Daughter has been blessed to be affiliated with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) for the past 4 years. through this experience I have had the privilege of being able to mentor some of the young ladies in this organization. I can't believe that I am the 'elder' women teaching the younger generation when I myself feel like a young women. but I have been so blessed to know and counsel these young women.
Thank you for the opportunity to win your book, 'Letters from Leanne" I would love a copy.
God's Blessings on you and your family,
I also have 4 children , all grown now : ) .... : (
Debbie

Kim said...

This book sounds wonderful! Thanks for the chance to win.
Kim

Teske said...

I'm excited to learn of this book! I am actually going to a mentoring workshop at my church tonight and will be sharing your blog and info. on the book. The women's ministry at my church is really trying to emphasize the importance of mentoring and your story is such a testimony to its significance. Thank you for sharing!
Be blessed!
Teske

Anonymous said...

I just read your interview w/Wendy Blight on her blog and I already learned something! I can't imagine what I could learn from reading your book. I liked what was said about a mentor not needing to know everything. As a high school teacher I have begun to work with student teachers. I often feel like I should know it all when working w/student teachers, that knowing it all will help them. I'm really thinking about how there are other ways to help besides having all the answers.

As for spiritual mentors, never thought about that before, but I really like the idea of it. I joined an online group of Christian women and they have become my spiritual mentors. Though I have never met these women face to face, I have learned a lot. They are definitely helping me in my walk w/ God.

Andrea
afeutz53@yahoo.com

Theresa said...

I am praying for a mentor right now! I also have 4 little ones (6,4,3, 10 months) so I know what you mean about "too big." hahaha But I am also reminded daily of how I am teaching them every minute of everyday!

Anniem said...

I need to find my mentor! Or maybe I just need to be one! You have me thinking and that is what you were supposed to do. Thank You!

Anniem said...

Thank you for listening to God! I am thinking I should be a mentor...but I could use one too!