Mentoring and Growth

Ever sit and watch the grass grow? Seems pretty pointless - but I would have to say as I've gotten older, even though I'm usually a busy person, there are those times when I quiet my busy self and just watch things...consider their growth.


I have been fortunate to mentor several women, some for years, some only months, and some it's more like giving some sisterly advise or instruction and then I get to watch how they grow.


This past weekend, while at a women's retreat for Three Village Church as the guest speaker, I was quite ill. Probably too sick to be there, butI pushed my self and was able to give two of the three messages I'd prepared. The last one, though I'm sure knowing myself, I could have pushed a bit harder, and made it through. Instead I chose to pass the baton to one of the women on their leadership team who I do believe is called to speak to women and minister.


In preparation for the retreat we had a few discussions on the phone and a meeting or two where it had even been expressed by her that she would love to speak and sees that happening in the future.


I could have continued to give the message I that I prepared, but it would have been from a selfish perspective. Instead, It was becoming obvious to me that the Lord wanted to use that opportunity for her to get up in front of her own fellowship and step out of the boat!


She took my notes, made them her own and did wonderfully! She burst through the ground and spoke! It was great growth to see, and I don't even know her all that well.


I am blessed to know that through pouring our lives into others, that God gets the glory,lives are changed and beauty is brought forth!


Another young woman I've mentored for about eight years has also grown beautifully! A gorgeous young woman of twenty five, Kim has moved away from here to start a life in PA as an Occupational Therapist. She has had a rough year and is entering the time of flourishing....With heartache after heartache last year and disappointment after disappointment, she has weathered through probably some of the toughests situations I've seen someone of her age have to contend with and all that practically alone!


She today is stronger than ever and has dynamic personality, perspective and potential! I have been blessed to sit and watch the flowers grow in her! I am blessed when she reminds me of things I've shared with her to encourage or equip her, Things that may not have made complete sense at the time, but suddenly, she gets it now...


It's amazing how much we impact each other, how we help to shape and mold each other in Christ.


I praise God, to be able to passionately share Christ with others, and pray that as I plant seeds, God will bring the increase, not just to them, but to me as well....


so I continue to grow.....

Check out the website www.GraciousVine.com or www.JoannaFruhauf.com