The Fruits of Mentorship by Robin Dotson

The Fruits of Mentorship by Robin Dotson

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

Can you think of a time in your life when someone shared a bit of knowledge with you or spiritual guidance that, you didn't know at the time, would be so profound in helping you navigate life? What about the time when someone had more job experience or life experience than you and was willing to share some wisdom that really helped you along the way?  Maybe it was even a skill that you still use in your life today. This is the definition of mentorship to me.

I witnessed a mentor in action through my daughter's life several years ago and I still see the fruits of her labor today.  It was Rebecca’s third grade year and the elementary school she attended sent home a paper to anyone interested in a "Knitting Club" after school one day a week.  My first thought was, “Who in their right mind would attempt to teach 15 to 20 third graders how to knit?”  Boy, was I wrong! There was someone out there. Her name was Anne, a mother of two boys and an accomplished knitter herself.

For weeks, Anne came after school.  First, she taught the kids how to make their
beginner knitting needles with dowel rods and clay. Then, she began teaching them basic stitches. Before long, Rebecca was coming home from class so excited with little squares of yarn all knitted together. She would work diligently until the next week's class to learn more. The next thing I knew, she wanted to save her money to purchase her first set of knitting needles.

This continued throughout her elementary school years and blossomed into wash cloths, hats, scarves, afghans, socks and eventually a sweater...competition. She and a friend raced to the finish to see who could complete the sweater faster. I also remember a field trip to the local hospital to take newborn baby hats the club members had made (wonder if He was up to something there?).

Rebecca became very interested in yarn...lots of yarn. Winter time was always filled with knitting projects and eventually she learned how to crochet as well. I knew it would be a lifelong hobby. But, little did I know at the time how God would use this skill in Rebecca's life. A busy mother so generously took her talent and time to teach my daughter something so valuable.

I truly believe the very beginning of 818 Ministries was born in that elementary school art room that year. God had a plan and He used Ann to plant the seed. I was blessed to watch it grow throughout Rebecca's life and in the midst of a storm, God showed us His purpose.
 
Romans 8:28 -  And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are called according to his purpose.

We can probably all think of a mentor who has had an impact on our lives. My challenge to you (and myself) is to pay it forward and take the gifts God has given each of us and share them with others.

Proverbs 16:3 - Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.

"Getting the most out of life isn't about how much you keep for yourself, but how much you pour into others." David Stoddard