I have this friend at my church who is also named Gretchen, and I really really like and admire her. She is the mom of 5 boys, and has an engaging personality -- friendly, expressive, relaxed and talkative. Tonight I got to hang out with her for a little while over a cup of iced coffee while Josh hung out with her boys (her husband is traveling in central Asia). I feel like this brief evening was an answer to prayer I'd had on my heart and lips for several years now -- for an older friend who would encourage me in the gospel and practically live out Titus 2 (the older women teaching the younger) in my life.Gretchen encouraged me to love my husband -- to delight in who he is and how God is growing and using him. She encouraged me to be content in my circumstances, serving through Josh's school years as the breadwinner so that down the road I can be at home with children. She shared her own experiences of coming to realize how small she was and how big God was and that He loved her anyway, and how that actually changes your everyday life! We discussed keeping our homes, not over-organizing our husband's closets or pridefully obsessing over a clean house so that we look good in the eyes of our friends. Gretchen said "you have to find the balance between 'how much do I need to be clean and organized to serve my family?' and 'how much is this organizing is just to serve myself?'" I was so refreshed by her honesty and wisdom.
All of this was discussed in perhaps an hour's time. There was no program, no big to-do. It was simply life-on-life relationship, Christ's love our bond.
Friends, I share this to encourage you, as young women, to seek out the wisdom of an older friend! In some churches, these women are more plentiful than the younger women are, and you have a plethora to choose from. In others (like mine), the elder's wives are in high demand, and you need to be considerate and content with the time you can spend together.
Most everyone who reads this knows a younger woman who would benefit from your friendship, if you took some time here and there to just ask her to hang out and share your life with her. This is being the body of Christ together!
Great Post Gretchen. I was very encouraged to study to show myself approved to be one of these 'older' women' someday, but for now to be seeking out those relationships. I am anxious to being praying that somehow, someway...I can fit into the lives of some older women and then that God would prepare me to accept their wisdom and not lean on my own..which I so readily seem to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you dear friend!
Gretchen, I have been praying for just such an older woman for a little over a year now. I'm still waiting on the Lord but know He will answer in His time.
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouraging post. i am now coming to the point where i am the older woman and it just amazes me how God can bring "younger" women into my life. Although our church is small, we seem to have a mix of wonderful 3 generations of women. The young and seeking--the young grandmothers who are living the Titus 2 gal in our everyday life and the strong, prayer warriors whose prayers enable me to be an effective "friend" to those who are seeking.God continues to do "big" things in your life Gretchen and what is so refreshing to me is that you recognize the work of the Lord in your life and you live your life accordingly. God Bless my sweet young friend....t
ReplyDeleteWhat an encouragement, Gret! I know what she is talking about when she says you have to find that balance of organizing your home, but being there to serve your family. So hard sometimes.
ReplyDeleteI praise the Lord for this blessing from the Lord. Thank you for passing on some things that challenged & encouraged you.
ReplyDeletePraying for you and thinking of you often.
C-
What a great picture of what God intended for relationships between His people! Thanks for sharing her encouragements to you. I crave those times with older and more mature Christian ladies--it is such a blessing to drink in the advice and wisdom!
ReplyDeleteI wish I knew of any such older women whom I could trust and learn from. Sadly at my church we have divorced grandmas who love to gossip. Not only that I know of another "older" woman (who is about 5 years older) but due to circumstances I can't trust her. So for the time being I don't talk much in my church. Makes me sad cuz I would love to learn more from the bible and have input from others...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Post. Such a great reminder to seek out the older Titus 2 lady, but also Be the Titus 2 lady to someone else. A true encouragement! Thanks
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