I had the privilege of working under an amazing principal when I was a Christian school teacher. She had a way of creating an edifying and inspiring place to work while being intimately involved with each of us as teachers. I was always amazed by her wisdom in the decisions and choices she made on a daily basis. I was perfectly content to stay in my classroom, just me and my students, without the responsibility of running an entire school. Until a few years later when I found myself in that exact position! She was retiring, and I would step into her shoes. It seemed like a daunting task at first, but my one request was that she walk me through the job and stay on staff through the summer as I learned under her for those few months before the school year began. Her wisdom gained from years of experience helped to guide me into the new position.
Over the years, I have come to value the women in my life who have lived longer and experienced more than I have. There is a wisdom to be gained in experience that can’t come from textbooks. Elisha understood the power of mentorship. Before Elijah left this earth, Elisha asked for a double portion of his anointing. He had spent time with Elijah, and he knew the power of God upon Elijah’s life. He saw in Elijah a ministry he knew was real. Experience had taught him that true wisdom comes from obedience and a heart fully surrendered to the Lord.
May we be ever ready to embrace and celebrate the women in our lives who have traveled the road before us. May we be ready to spend time learning, listening and watching. There is much wisdom to be gained under women who have walked the road of obedience and learned from the ups and downs of life. John C. Maxwell said, “One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.”
How can you cultivate meaningful relationships/mentorships with Godly women in your life?
I am constantly asking questions, listening to, and watching those around me who have more experience and wisdom than I do. I keep a notebook, and as I learn good ideas, tips, or resources, I write down what I am learning. I ask a lot more questions than I used to. I watch a lot more closely than I used to. When I was younger, I thought I knew everything, so why ask? Now, I realize I know very little, and I value the experience and technique and ideas of those who have been on the journey a lot longer than I have. If they are doing something a certain way, then there must be a reason for it. I want to know that reason to understand why that particular practice is being used!