Honoring Our Friends and Influencers
Have you found ways to honor those in your sphere of influence who have impacted your life in a positive way? My opportunity came unexpectedly almost twenty years after I had moved from the church where the women had taught me the meaning of faithful friendship. And they had mentored me when I was a mom of three young children.
I’d been invited back to my former church as speaker for their women’s retreat as I had a published a few books and some contained lessons I had learned while a member of this congregation. I realized I had come full circle—now I was a grandmother coming to encourage a younger generation of women who love the Lord.
At the last session I spoke to the 300 in attendance on my books about prayer, hospitality and mentoring. My definition of mentoring I told them is simple: “to encourage and equip for excellence– passing down knowledge and training to one who is less experienced, helping that woman reach her God-given potential and do an even better job than me.”
I was going to give them some practical illustrations by introducing some of the women seated at my roundtable—friends from years ago.
As I was ending my final speech, I paid these women from my past tribute and asked each to stand as I told what she had imparted into my life. Mary Jo had been my mentor for many years following that memorable day she came with five other women to give my house a do-over. She was the first one to encourage me to speak in front of others at a Bible study. On my birthday she always remembered me with a card and a phone call–even years after I moved away.
Margaret made my curtains, taught one of my daughters how to be a better seamstress and taught my youngest and me to bake bread. Lib prayed faithfully with me on the phone every weekday morning for many years. Barbara stood in some tough prayer gaps with me. Liz, owner of a flower boutique, tried to teach me to arrange centerpieces but was mostly my “let’s have some fun” friend who always made me laugh. I mentioned others though they had been unable to attend. I thanked them—one and all and we all sat down to eat lunch.
We had just started on our dessert when a woman came to our table and asked if she could address us “oldies.” She explained that those sitting with her at the back table were from a different city so they didn’t know any others here. We encouraged her to tell us what was on her heart.
She explained: “When we younger women heard how you have been friends all these years—even when one of you moved away—and how you have continued to pray for one another, it touched us. We made a covenant today to do the same. We want to have lifelong friendships like you have had, and we want to pray for each other too. Thank you for a great slow-and-tell lesson.”
“They caught what we taught,” Mary Jo said with a smile, while a few of us wiped away tears.
We do need to watch over our sphere of influence as my writing mentor, Jamie Buckingham, wrote in his book The Nazarene:
“You may not think your little field is very important. But God has set you in your field as a watchman. Each one of us has a sphere of influence. Most of us don’t realize it, but our influence is much larger than we can ever imagine—and will continue on for generations to come, be it good or evil. It’s a wonderful responsibility—frightening at times—but wonderful. Always remember, though, you’re never in your watchtower alone. Jesus is ever with you, and His Spirit will whisper just the things you need to say and do.
Keep watch over your field, your vineyard, your family, your church, your health, your money, your faith—all the things you are responsible for. You are the tenant manager. But never forget who owns the field.” (1)
Perhaps you will want to contact some people who meant a great deal to you and bless them with your words of appreciation. We could all be encouraged by a great big, “Thank you.”
Prayer: Lord, we are grateful for those who come into our lives and helped us with their giftings. Help us be more mindful of ways we can continue to be faithful with those talents You have given us. We thank You too for the example Jesus gave us when He washed His disciples feet. In His name we pray. Amen.
Scripture: Minister to one another with your gifts. (I Peter 4:10)
Footnote:
1. Jamie Buckingham, The Nazarene: Intimate Insights into the Savior’s Life, Ann Arbor, MI: Servant Publication, 1991, p 89).
Excerpted from my book Cast Your Shadow: Influence On Purpose, Available Amazon
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