My mind says I don't truly fit in the category of an older woman. I'm referring to the Bible passage in Titus 2 which talks about the older woman's responsibilities of teaching younger women. It seems like it was a couple of years ago I was in college attending classes to prep me for life and ministry. But alas, when I look in the mirror and double check the calendar I have to acknowledge that I actually slipped into this "older woman" category awhile back.
There are days when I feel pretty confident when a younger lady asks me a question - but there are also many, many times I wonder if I am really equipped to answer. But God appointed my days and has prepared me to be in this life stage and used some incredible ladies along the way. Each one gave me a different insight and has helped me shape my beliefs and how I view life.
The first one I think of was my grandmother, who taught me so many life lessons - baking cookies, making apple pies, how to make change (I worked for her in a Christian bookstore), that my feelings for boys would come and go but my relationship with God should always be my first priority, and that reading a book is a wise investment of time.
My mom taught me about sacrificing for those you love. She spent hours driving me (and my brother) to a school where she knew we would receive not only an education but also good biblical instruction, she allotted time for me to practice piano and attended many concerts and recitals, and when I became a mother, she showed up to not only hold those precious babies but to care for me as well.
When I was a young wife and mother and we lived 12+ hours from family, Mary Jayne Bradt stepped into the role of the older woman for me. She taught me so many practical life lessons about marriage and parenting. I think she should get some sort of huge gold star for putting up with the hundreds of questions I threw her way.
After Tim graduated from seminary and we were in our first church as a pastor and wife, Cindy Patten became my mentor and friend. Oh the countless hours we spent sitting in some restaurant in Indianapolis talking over the "how to deal with ministry" topics! She, too, should have a gold star for her efforts.
I love each of these women and thank God for allowing them to have such a wonderful input into my life. And how I pray that as I have opportunity to be in this role, I will be kind and loving and respond with accuracy and truth to the women God brings into my life.
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