Right Choices / Better Outcomes
# 7 Listen & Learn May 10, 2013
No doubt, the first voice that we heard was the voice of our mother while we were still nestled snug in her womb. The word “Mother” should invoke memories of comfort, love, and laugher. However, that may not have been your experience. The word “Mother” also may summon an array of other memories for you. To some of us the memories will be sweet, but for some they will be memories we would like to forget. If this is your story, I hope that you have been able to find a woman in your life that you are able to consider ‘like a mother’ to you.
The last posting discussed mentoring. My mom was my first mentor, as mothers often are. She taught me faithfulness and showed me what real sacrifice meant. Her creativity over the years has been an inspiration to me. Even at 90, my mom can look at a situation and bring a fresh view and a new idea. Much of what mom has taught me has been unintentional. She did not sit down and plan what she would teach me and when, it just happened in the course of living.
As wonderful and talented as my mother is, she could not teach me all I needed to learn. She made sure that other women were involved in my life, and she helped me to recognize the value of learning from others.
My Jr. High Sunday School teacher, Marie Matteson was the example of the gracious godly women that I strive to be each day. She also happened to be the pastor’s wife.
Treva Baumgartner spent dozens of Friday afternoons training two of my friends and me to sing harmony, giving us the experience of singing in a trio.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Snider, taught me the value of the vegetable garden and preserving. This skill saved us hundreds of dollars on grocery bills. And though I did not realize it at the time, I now know our family ate much healthier minus the preservatives and salt found in commercially prepared foods.
With wisdom and love Reta Toman guided my husband and me through a difficult financial time, and Marion Hunking passed on her love of ministry to women. Both of these women continue to be an influence in my life, praying for me, and encouraging me in my ministry.
These, and many other women did not set out to be mentors; they just cared enough to spend time with me, and shared what God had taught them. They each encouraged me to share what I have learned with others.
Today, I continue to listen and learn from the people that are placed in my life. However, the older I become, the younger my mentors seem to be. That is right; the young people today have much to teach me. Sometimes is modern technology, or skills related, but it can also be how to handle difficult situations.
God’s word is filled with verses that encourage us to seek the advice of others, and to follow their example.
The following verses had never stood out to me before, but they are significant. I’ve given them here in two versions.
Proverbs 5:12-14 (NIV)
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.
14 And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
Proverbs 5:12-14 (HCSB)
12 and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and how my heart despised correction.
13 I didn’t obey my teachers or listen closely[a] to my mentors.
14 I am on the verge of complete ruin before the entire community.”
These verses describe the consequences of not having mentors or allowing yourself to learn from others. The results can be devastating.
I challenge you to make a list of those who have had a significant part in your teaching, training, and development. Be sure to thank them today.
And then, look around you. Who has information or skills that you need in your life? Perhaps you see someone with a passion about a cause that you would like to be involved in. Ask them if you can spend time with them and learn from them. You will be blessed with new knowledge, and may begin a deep friendship that will last for years to come.
No doubt, the first voice that we heard was the voice of our mother while we were still nestled snug in her womb. The word “Mother” should invoke memories of comfort, love, and laugher. However, that may not have been your experience. The word “Mother” also may summon an array of other memories for you. To some of us the memories will be sweet, but for some they will be memories we would like to forget. If this is your story, I hope that you have been able to find a woman in your life that you are able to consider ‘like a mother’ to you.
The last posting discussed mentoring. My mom was my first mentor, as mothers often are. She taught me faithfulness and showed me what real sacrifice meant. Her creativity over the years has been an inspiration to me. Even at 90, my mom can look at a situation and bring a fresh view and a new idea. Much of what mom has taught me has been unintentional. She did not sit down and plan what she would teach me and when, it just happened in the course of living.
As wonderful and talented as my mother is, she could not teach me all I needed to learn. She made sure that other women were involved in my life, and she helped me to recognize the value of learning from others.
My Jr. High Sunday School teacher, Marie Matteson was the example of the gracious godly women that I strive to be each day. She also happened to be the pastor’s wife.
Treva Baumgartner spent dozens of Friday afternoons training two of my friends and me to sing harmony, giving us the experience of singing in a trio.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Snider, taught me the value of the vegetable garden and preserving. This skill saved us hundreds of dollars on grocery bills. And though I did not realize it at the time, I now know our family ate much healthier minus the preservatives and salt found in commercially prepared foods.
With wisdom and love Reta Toman guided my husband and me through a difficult financial time, and Marion Hunking passed on her love of ministry to women. Both of these women continue to be an influence in my life, praying for me, and encouraging me in my ministry.
These, and many other women did not set out to be mentors; they just cared enough to spend time with me, and shared what God had taught them. They each encouraged me to share what I have learned with others.
Today, I continue to listen and learn from the people that are placed in my life. However, the older I become, the younger my mentors seem to be. That is right; the young people today have much to teach me. Sometimes is modern technology, or skills related, but it can also be how to handle difficult situations.
God’s word is filled with verses that encourage us to seek the advice of others, and to follow their example.
The following verses had never stood out to me before, but they are significant. I’ve given them here in two versions.
Proverbs 5:12-14 (NIV)
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline! How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers or turn my ear to my instructors.
14 And I was soon in serious trouble in the assembly of God’s people.”
Proverbs 5:12-14 (HCSB)
12 and you will say, “How I hated discipline, and how my heart despised correction.
13 I didn’t obey my teachers or listen closely[a] to my mentors.
14 I am on the verge of complete ruin before the entire community.”
These verses describe the consequences of not having mentors or allowing yourself to learn from others. The results can be devastating.
I challenge you to make a list of those who have had a significant part in your teaching, training, and development. Be sure to thank them today.
And then, look around you. Who has information or skills that you need in your life? Perhaps you see someone with a passion about a cause that you would like to be involved in. Ask them if you can spend time with them and learn from them. You will be blessed with new knowledge, and may begin a deep friendship that will last for years to come.