His Beautiful Tapestry
By Tricia Carrier
When you hear the word tapestry, you envision a beautiful, thick piece of fabric with pictures or designs formed by weaving colored threads or embroidering them together. If you researched the word, you would find that image is correct; but, it can also be used in reference to an “intricate or complex combination of things”. So it is with our relationships. We are interwoven with each other in an intricate and complex combination of experiences and beliefs that, if stewarded well, can create a beautiful tapestry. Keep reading to discover 8 ways we can weave together a tapestry of relational stewardship through mentoring with our unique personalities, experiences and abilities.
T: Time – How much time do you have to give to an Elizabeth/Mary relationship? It can be weekly, monthly, a phone call, an encouraging letter, a Marco Polo message in the car, a quarterly date, etc... Pick what works best for both of you and intentionally seize the opportunities when you can.
A: Abilities – What comes naturally to you? Initiating a conversation or answering questions? Organizing and arranging the meeting or leading it? Be intentional and take time to tap into the strengths of your natural abilities in your mentoring relationships but also be willing to be stretched outside of your comfort zone to be available to others.
P: Personalities – Are you more random or prefer a schedule? What lens do you use to filter information? Are you more sensitive or stoic? Your Elizabeth/Mary relationships will most likely not be with someone just like you. In fact, some of the best ones are polar opposite. What you do have to remember is that they are not your mini-me’s and will react and reflect differently than you do.
E: Experiences – Some of us have experienced a lot of grief, others joy. Some of us have climbed corporate ladders; others have chosen to stay home. Some of us are single, others are married. Whatever your life experiences, keep in mind that the Lord does not waste pain nor does He waste triumph. He can use your experiences to motivate, encourage, or bless others when you are willing to share your story and what the Lord has done and is doing in your life.
S: Spiritual Gifts – It does not matter if you teach through encouragement or encourage through teaching. It does not matter if you serve through compassion or administratively serve others. What DOES matter is that you are led by the Spirit and are obedient to see others through His eyes and serve with His hands. (For more on this, check out 1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, and 1 Peter 4).
T: Truth – From out of the overflow of your heart, your mouth will speak (Luke 6:45) to your Elizabeth/Mary. It is imperative that you are spending time in the Word and seeking His wisdom in order for you to know the Truth to speak it in love. That does not mean you have all the answers – it means you are both seeking Truth in your lives and helping point each other to the Source of all Truth.
R: Resources – No matter the amount of tangible resources you have or have not been given, that is not needed for intentional, relational stewardships. The only thing a conversation costs you is time. Yes, you can shower your Elizabeths and Marys with tangible blessings when possible, but it is not needed to share your heart and point them to Jesus.
Y: You – You are wonderfully and uniquely made as seen in Psalm 139. You are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for you to do (Ephesians 2:10). What are you doing about it?
