The Joy of Mentoring

"But the Lord said, ..."But Nineveh has more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left... Should I not be concerned about that great city?"~ Jonah 4:11.
Mentoring is a gift and as older women who have grown and lived through the many life experiences of faith, love, marriage, motherhood, working-outside-the-home, loss, joys, and so much more, I believe it to be one of life's greatest privileges to help young women who come into our lives to train up, encourage, and love through this similar road called life. To pass on the knowledge and wisdom we have learned along the way.

Today I would like to share about one of the kindest, vivacious, loveliest women inside an out that has been one of life's greatest joys to journey alongside while traveling a road thronged with rocky terrain, slippery slopes, heartache, to finally a bend that led down into a luscious valley of faith, love, hope, and joy.

The first time I met Rachael was on a hot summer day. With sweat pouring down my face I was attacking an absolutely huge thistle growing along the side of our home when this bubbly and enthusiastic 19 yr. old came bouncing over from next door to rescue me. Taking pity on me, she took the shovel from my hands and began with great gusto and vigor to dig up the hideous plant. Once uprooted, our excitement was cut short as there against the siding rested the largest, thinly, ugliest spider neither one of us had before encountered. Rachael through down the shovel, screaming and running in the opposite direction as I followed doing the same. Yep! She most definitely was a kindred spirit.

It has been 6 yrs. since then and I have had the utmost pleasure standing and praying with her  through some of life's hardest circumstances. Unplanned Pregnancy. Heartbreak. Life as a single parent. Questions. Fear. Doubt. Tears. Loneliness. REDEMPTION! Through it all Rachael held onto her Faith. A remarkable testimony at that. And as the Lord worked through me to minister to her, I grew also. Right alongside of my friend.

These past years have flown quickly by. Rachael became a part of our family. A big sister to my two younger daughters. They have witnessed that though she struggled, there is Grace that covers a multitude of sins. And that is just what Rachael is walking out. GRACE! A lesson that as Christians we all come to learn.

A little over a year ago Rachael married the love of her life and lives now in the South where her husband is stationed. They both love and serve the Lord and each other. Rachael's husband loves her little girl as his own and are expecting their first child at summers end.

                                  
What a complete privilege and honor it has been for me to walk this journey with such an astounding woman. Such immense love I have for Rachael and little Sofia. God implemented me to make a difference. But He used Rachael to do just that in me. In all of ours. So I want to encourage you older gals out there who have some wisdom and kindness to share, pray and seek God if there is a young lady you can pour your heart into. A treasured gift you both shall find.