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“Will you mentor me?” The question left me speechless. Why did this strong, young Christian mother want me to mentor her? I couldn’t imagine fitting one more thing into my life, but her words indicated that she and her husband had carefully prayed about this decision. They knew my involvement in her life would require huge time sacrifices, but she would take whatever I could give. IN order to say “yes” to this intriguing request, I knew we had to set boundaries. I explained that I could not be locked into an official program but wanted our relationship to be based on friendship. She was thrilled when I agreed to meet with her once a month. I felt blessed and humbled at the thought that someone was looking up to me.

To make our time more fruitful, we read a chapter of a specific book (we started with Spiritual Mothering by Susan Hunt) before each of our monthly meetings. The discussion questions and Scripture were jumping off points for whatever topic or issue was most urgent in her life. Her struggles with mothering were so familiar to me, yet she was so intense. Often just listening and acknowledging how common her situations were gave her a calmer perspective. I came to love her children and babysat for them occasionally.

The best part of the arrangement was how inspired I was after being with her. Her eager openness and teachable spirit convicted and excited me. She tried to find out my needs as well and held me accountable. We clearly sharpened each other. Her youthful passion mixed perfectly with my more realistic perspective. And now I am seeing my special spiritual daughter became a spiritual mother to my own teenaged daughter. It’s comforting to know that their time together further confirms the biblical truths I have attempted to plant deeply into the hearts of both young women. How thankful I am that she took the initiative and that God would not let me say no. All I had to give her were crumbs, but the Lord multiplied those crumbs and bountifully fed both of us.

Treasures of Encouragement, A Monthly Planner, P & R Publishing Co., page 14