When I began my discipleship experience this past summer, I had no idea what to expect, but I made myself one promise, I would be open, honest and transparent with my partner. I prayed and asked God who I should approach, the person He choose surprised many, even me. However as we met, I began to see what an amazing symbiotic relationship He was building. We both brought things to the table that the other needed. We found strength in knowing that there is someone there that truly has our back. We have found many commonalities, however opposite our current life situations are. I am single living with my brother; she is married with a child. Not only have I experience a new friendship grow, but she keeps me challenged, asks the hard questions and ‘reads me my mail’ when needed, and I know I can do the same in return. Not only have a gained a great friend, but our families have embraces one another. I have no doubt when I show up at her house, I will be welcomed in. Our relationship has grown a great deal, I now volunteer at her work and her daughter spends one afternoon a week with me.
Since our meetings were never structured, we allowed the Holy Spirit to be our mentor and to guide our conversations. We would meet at my place, at a restaurant or walk. Usually we would spend time sharing our week, our pitfalls, successes and areas we need prayer. If needed encouragement in the Word, in remembering who God is in our life or just some compassion was shared. When you purpose to be transparent, it is awesome to watch the bonds grow and the trust grow and the judgment disappear. I learned that I am not alone, that many people face the same things and that people have great capacity for forgiveness love and compassion, when you allow God to do His work through you.
I have always seen discipleship as a one way street, like a mentorship. I have found that it is much better as a two way street. We all have something we can learn from someone if we will just open ourselves up to that. That lesson has been very present in my life lately. I have learned that unless you are teaching and being taught, you are not growing to your full potential. Sometimes it can be with the same person, sometimes it is with many people. I have been learning so much from 2nd graders as well as some friends in their 70’s. Discipleship has taught me that lessons are all around us. We just have to be open to listening to God, dropping our preconceived ideas and letting Him run the show. When I do that, He is always on time with the right answer or encouragement or challenge. He always leads me to the right resources, be it the Bible or a friend. I never have to face things alone. This is what discipleship has taught me.
