The One with the Agelessness of Relationships

I love that God has given me the gift of being relational. A few years back, I took Mark Gungor's Flag Page inventory that assesses an individual's strengths and weaknesses, what makes them tick and what ticks them off. At the end of the survey, the system spits out a literal multi-colored flag depicting your talents in the areas of people, tasks, creation, leading, and showman.  

Mine wasn't multi colored. It wasn't even bi-colored. It was ALL BLUE. {All "people talents." "Let's relate!"} The areas of loving people, being sensitive, thriving on encouragement, being thoughtful, and sincere at heart are some of the ways I feel most motivated, most alive, most happy. 

Then it shouldn't surprise me to look back at the last week and see who I spent quality time with. 

My husband. (20s)

Sheryl. (30s)

Meg. (17) 

Ashlyn. (9)

Peggy and Chelcie. (60s/70s) 

And Monday, I have a date with a sweet 4 year old. :) 

Pretty cool, huh? 

I noticed this beautiful lifestyle trend on Thursday evening as I was anticipating the arrival of 9 year old Ashlyn for our girls night. We were going to watch a movie, crochet, paint nails, and much more that we wouldn't have enough hours to accomplish. The two of us had a lovely time together. And all that after my Wednesday night...

Fifteen minutes after piano lessons ended and I was making dinner for Kevin and I, the phone rang. It was Meg. She hadn't gotten the message that our youth group high school girls night (cookie decorating) had been cancelled. I felt awful. I apologized profusely and she was gracious. But minutes later I sent her another message, inviting her to come over to my house and spend some time just the two of us. A short time later, she sat down on my sofa. We wrapped up in blankets, hot cocoa in hand, and enjoyed some much needed girl talk. 

I was talking to my mom at the end of my week, and she was encouraged by the time I spent investing in these young girls. She reminded me of the great gift it is to spend quality time mentoring girls, giving them my undivided attention. That is a gift. I hope to continue developing relationships throughout my life, pouring my heart, my experience, my prayers into others' lives. But right now is especially perfect for this passion of mine. In this season of life, before we have children, I can really designate in focused attention on girls like Ashlyn and Meg. What a privilege. I can give to others what Leslie & Susan gave me to me when I was girl. Time. 

Do you have girls you mentor? Or someone who mentors you? Maybe both? I think these relationships are priceless. Don't let age divide us. Learn from one another. Love each other. 

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