About once a month, I meet with an amazing female mentor who is a few steps ahead of me in life. In the midst of her daily activities as a wife and mother, I can't express how thankful I am for this time with her and the fact that she makes time for me. We spend a few hours catching up, praying, and going through a book together. We have very similar personalities, so it's sort of like talking to an future, wiser version of me. Usually tea and or baked goods of some sort are involved, a necessity of course. Our book of choice? For Women Only, by Shaunti Feldhahn.
If you haven't read it, you should. No matter if you're engaged, you've been married 5 years, or you've been married 55 years, this book has things to share about men from a Biblical perspective. You can get both the book and the corresponding work book on Amazon for fairly cheap. I've been completely intrigued to find out more about why men are the way they are, what they are really thinking, and how their perspective on topics including everything from communication to romance differ from ours. For Women Only
For the men, there is also a version called For Men Only. Feldhahn and her husband both contributed to this version. My parents bought a copy of each book for Aaron and I during our first year of marriage. His is still sitting on his side table in our bedroom, but I know he will eventually find his way to it as he seeks to understand me in my "finer" moments. I've yet to sneak a peek, but I will probably read some of it soon to see what secrets it shares about women's inner lives. For Men Only
I am so thankful that I reached out to ask about mentoring. It is refreshing to talk with someone else who has been through what I'm going through and more, someone who has the knowledge to guide me as a woman of faith. Being vulnerable, open, and honest with someone else who shares your outlook on life is really freeing. Though I love my husband dearly and talk openly about anything and everything with him, sometimes we just need another woman who will understand. It's typically best to choose someone who isn't a family member, simply because it allows for unbiased perspective and complete openness about any and all life issues. If you're blessed (like I am) to have wonderful women in your family who are already mentors of sorts, you get the bonus of gaining another one! No matter what stage of life you're in, I highly recommend finding someone a step ahead of you to walk alongside. It will likely blossom into a beautiful friendship. I love it.
Currently,
Kelsie
If you haven't read it, you should. No matter if you're engaged, you've been married 5 years, or you've been married 55 years, this book has things to share about men from a Biblical perspective. You can get both the book and the corresponding work book on Amazon for fairly cheap. I've been completely intrigued to find out more about why men are the way they are, what they are really thinking, and how their perspective on topics including everything from communication to romance differ from ours. For Women Only
For the men, there is also a version called For Men Only. Feldhahn and her husband both contributed to this version. My parents bought a copy of each book for Aaron and I during our first year of marriage. His is still sitting on his side table in our bedroom, but I know he will eventually find his way to it as he seeks to understand me in my "finer" moments. I've yet to sneak a peek, but I will probably read some of it soon to see what secrets it shares about women's inner lives. For Men Only
I am so thankful that I reached out to ask about mentoring. It is refreshing to talk with someone else who has been through what I'm going through and more, someone who has the knowledge to guide me as a woman of faith. Being vulnerable, open, and honest with someone else who shares your outlook on life is really freeing. Though I love my husband dearly and talk openly about anything and everything with him, sometimes we just need another woman who will understand. It's typically best to choose someone who isn't a family member, simply because it allows for unbiased perspective and complete openness about any and all life issues. If you're blessed (like I am) to have wonderful women in your family who are already mentors of sorts, you get the bonus of gaining another one! No matter what stage of life you're in, I highly recommend finding someone a step ahead of you to walk alongside. It will likely blossom into a beautiful friendship. I love it.
Currently,
Kelsie