My Mentors

Cheryl, me, Gretchen and Rebecca

I had the unique opportunity to host my dear friends and mentors last night. These women have poured into me more than I can even begin to imagine. Looking back at how each of our paths crossed, it is so clear to me now that each was a relationship authored by God. They have each prayed with and for me, talked  me out of a tizzy, encouraged me and just loved me for who I am. I know at any moment I can call and not only will they encourage me, but they will remind me of God’s Word and His promise and purpose for my life.

Oh, and those beautiful tulips were more proof of how good they are to me! Thanks Cheryl!!

One thing I have learned is that a mentor doesn’t look like what I have always envisioned. I have also realized that these types of relationships don’t have to be in the traditional framework you think of as a mentoring relationship.

What does mentoring look like?
Mentors can take on many different forms, and while these are my closest friends and spiritual mentors, they are not the only ones I have. I always had the idea that a mentor had to be older and the relationship was formal and rigid. I have learned that is not the case because a few of my mentors are much younger than I am!

While Rebecca, Gretchen and Cheryl are my friends and spiritual mentors they also guide me in other ways.  Being a veteran homeschooler and published author, Rebecca guides me in  my writing and gives me insight into homeschooling. Gretchen, who was in corporate American for a while, also advises me with our PR and image. Cheryl and I were actually matched up at my church in a formal “mentoring” relationship.  The really cool thing about that is we were matched up because we both liked to save money, and since have found so many other areas of likeness!

In addition to these wonderful ladies, the Lord has provided my husband and myself with many other wonderful people who help us out in less traditional mentoring roles. Some of the people I will list here may not even think of themselves as mentors, but I do. I have two friends Andrea and Lora who counsel me in social media, Jeannette and Wayne help us mold our training curriculum’s (they both worked in training for the government), Greg, Jack, Henry and Derek consult with my husband on our business model and plan.  Then there are Michael and Briana who answer my endless technical questions, and finally Crystal.  She is my blogging mentor and doesn’t even know it!

As you can see, I have more than one mentor and many aren’t formal mentoring relationships.  I glean from their knowledge and areas of expertise to make myself better in my areas of weakness. What I love is each is passionate about what they know and they are eager to share it. For me, they model behavior I want to add.

Just recently I finished a book recommended by Dave Ramsey called The Legend of the Monk and the Merchant. I highly recommend this read. It not only models awonderful mentoring relationship, but outlines biblical principles on how to honor God in your chosen vocation.  (Yes, I said vocation, not job!) It is also a fantastic guide on how to honor God in the marketplace.  A must read!

Pursuing A Mentor
Does the idea of having a mentor stir something in you and excite you? Pray about it and ask the Lord to provide, He is really good at that!

Here are some things to consider when seeking out a mentor:

• make sure they are a good fit for you – can you submit to their advice and directives?
• make sure they want to be a mentor – they may lack time, or have other commitments so ask them if they will consider it
• great places to seek potential mentors include the business community, trusted family friends, and churches
• be prepared to be a mentor yourself to someone in the future — this one is important!

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What has your experience in a mentoring relationship been?  Do you have any recommendations or suggestions for those seeking? I would love to hear your thoughts and insight, or even your questions on the mentoring role and relationship.  So, be sure to leave a comment and share.