Every now and again an amazing person will grace this earth, and if we are blessed, we will have the opportunity to be part of their lives. Then again, maybe life is so busy, so cruel, so fleeting that we don't notice the angels in disguise among us. I think I had a foot in both scenerios.
About ten years ago I belonged to a wonderful women's ministry at our church. It's quite common now in the Christian church to have all sorts of programs to help the members of the body "connect". Our church had long had "care groups" that met at designated times in order to share needs and study the Bible together. Our women's ministry wanted to take this further and start a mentoring program. A "mature" woman helping younger or newer Christian women along the way. In theory this was a fantastic idea. How often do we crave a guiding hand or an encouraging word from someone who has navigated the likes of marriage & childrearing or dating & full time employment? We all do I believe; but in reality, matching people up took a important job right out of God's hands. Needless to say it didn't work, and I was more than dissappointed.
Our ideas and plans may not have worked, but God's did. I didn't realize at that the time, but God had placed a mentor in my life. This is my foot in the "I didn't notice what was happening field". Audrey and her husband had been friends from church with my parents ten years prior to me darkening the door. When I accepted the Lord and began bringing my little ones to church, she latched right on to us. About ten years older than my parents, Audrey had children, grandchildren, and even great grand children and still had the time and energy to adopt more into her fold. She never called herself mentor, she just followed her heart. I will never forget the days she would call me up and insist I bring the children and any other little ones hanging around to cool off in her pool. The consumate hostess, there were always homemade cookies, cool drinks and a cute hat that I must wear to keep the sun off. I was a young mother and a young Christian and she was a gentle balm to my soul. The kids would swim and we would talk about family and faith. I was learning more than I ever knew.
Audrey always had a smile, always asked about my children as they grew. She mourned with my family when my dad passed away and I know she has been a dear friend to my mother. At 77 she has gone on to be with the Lord. The whole time I knew her and she was doing these wonderful things, she was fighting cancer. Oh how silly and selfish I can be!
I say goodbye to Miss Audrey, looking forward to the day we all meet again. Until then I pray God shows me how to be selfless and gentlehearted, and to watch for the moments that I can bless others as that beautiful woman did.
3 comments:
This is such a sweet post about Miss Audrey. I've always wanted someone like her in my life, too. I hope that someday someone will think of me the same way. Isn't God wonderful?
Thank you, Pen Pen. It is my prayer that I can be as submitted to the Lord as she was....some days I don't feel even half way there yet!!! :)
Okay girl, this right here is where I know my heart is settling in this morning. You can't know how much God has been layin on my heart "discipleship" and mentoring! I've wondered ... how to do this as a church setting? God has been showing me as well that its bigger than that. It's the woman you see everyday. Whoever she is in that moment. Sometimes its yourself who needs that mentor! "me." -- I loved reading about the woman reached out to you with an offering of friendship- a swimming pool, cookies and a fun hat. Praise God! Is that not just GOD?! Sorry this is a long comment but I'm so excited! I am praying right now... show me Lord whom to mentor and thank you for my own mentors in life. And I'm praying for sweet Bonnie as well! To God be the glory... Lea
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