Mentoring

Last fall I was invited to be part of a mentoring group at Biola University. I had been wanting to find new ways to get involved.  Missing being involved in serving and ministry. Ruby Women  is a ministry of Biola University focused on women growing together, investing in the next generation of leaders and giving generously to advance Biola’s impact on the kingdom of God.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was paired up with Naomi and we began to meet. It was going well and then, in all honestly,  I completely failed mid-year when I was knee-deep in Christmas parties for work and then a fire. Thankfully she was gracious and we reconnected, attending several events this spring. We talked about life, plans for the future and current challenges. I always left inspired.

Ruby Women was great about providing events for us to meet at, but we also met for one on one for dinner  or grabbed a cup coffee. Mentoring doesn’t have to be expensive, it is about investing our time, listening and offering what we have learned along the way. It is about praying and encouraging them on their journey and being a resource for them.

This experience has taken me back to those handful of people who breathed life into me over the years. Unofficial and official mentors along my walk who have cheered me on, picked me back up and shown me grace. Who have modeled walking in faith.

“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.” — John C. Maxwell

The day we were paired up we talked about a cooking party  but it took us the entire school year to actually schedule it. I am a little ashamed of that fact. To celebrate the end of the year my friend Kristi and I, along with our girls, had a morning of cooking.

It was so fun! We met at Kristi’s and I gave them a little lesson on knife skills and then we got cooking. We made:

• Oven Roasted Bacon
• Crepes with Fresh Fruit and Vanilla Whipped Cream
• Quiche

The morning was filled with laughter and of course, picture-taking of the process. We talked about our plans for the summer and next year. Janelle is graduating but Naomi has one year left. I left so thankful that I took that step and am looking forward to another year of being involved. We also are planning summer cooking at my house!

If you live in Southern California I am hosting a Ruby Women event, Cooking With Love, next Saturday in Anaheim and you can still join us! Either way if you aren’t already doing something like this,  think about who you might connect with:

• adopt a local college student
• connect with a young woman at work
• see if there is a local christian university in your area
• volunteer with the college group at your church
• gather your kids and their friends for a meal

Many college kids are far away from home, maybe for the first time and would welcome the opportunity to connect.

Food For Thought: Who was a person in your life that made a difference? Have you told them how much it blessed you? Take time to write an email, note or message sharing how they.

 

2