If you have been reading my blog for any length of time, you know that I have loved serving the MOPS (Mothers of Preschooler’s) Ministry of my church as one of the Mentors . I absolutely adore the Moms with their young ones, how they intensely love their children and want to be the best Mom possible for them. I vividly remember those days in my life, I needed so much encouragement, especially since I had a preschooler for 14 years.
I started as a mentor when my oldest daughter went off to college and my youngest was in 5th grade. Throughout the past 10 years, all of my daughters have left for college, got married and now one of them is a MOPS Mother. Even as my home was in a constant change with growing daughters coming in and out – you could always find me on Wednesdays at MOPS meetings.
Because children continue to grow, the MOPS Ministry is an ever changing ministry with moms coming in and going. The Moms who had a 3 year old 10 years ago, now have teenagers! It has been a joy to part of the lives of these Moms, to watch their friendships continue to grow even after MOPS and to watch their kids grow in their faith.
Working closely with the MOPS Coordinators over the years has brought many dear friendships into my life – each one brought her own gifts and talents to the group. God always brought the exact gifts needed for the group through each leader. I want to let Candice, Lisa, Stephanie, Tracy, Christie and Allyson know how much I appreciate all they did for the Lord through their service to MOPS. They are now using these same gifts in other ministries which brings me such delight.
Of course, there have been so many other women I have loved serving with (April, Pat, Lia, Tracie, Susan, the Hart girls, Anita, Rebecca, Brenda, Darla, Kim, Emily and on and on the list could go) – outstanding women who are raising our next generation. I have been so blessed by each one.
So, you may be asking – why am I leaving a ministry that I love so much. And there is one easy answer – because God called me to. Several years ago, my youngest daughter encouraged me to hold my position with MOPS with an open hand – that was the first time I had ever thought about leaving and I must admit that, that thought challenged me. Then I read a book titled Servant Leader by Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, which provided the concept of succession leadership – that is making sure that people are in place to take your place when the Lord leads you to leave. As I prayed about it, I knew God was calling me to leave as there are so many gifted women who also love the Lord and the MOPS ministry ready to serve .
It has already been interesting to watch how God is using my gifts as I work in Blessings Unlimited. I have Moms all across the country who I work along side. Recently, one of them told me that she had been praying for 3 years for someone to encourage her not only in her business, but also in her Mothering and her walk with the Lord. How God uses all of our experiences for Himself.
One of my daughters is now a MOPS Mom and who knows there may even be a few more in this position in the upcoming years. Nothing could be more important to me, than to be available to encourage my daughters in their journey of raising the next generation.
I am very thankful for all the Lord has done through my time at MOPS. I am excited to see how MOPS will continue to change, flourish and grow throughout the upcoming years. I am ready for the next thing the Lord will do in my life. My prayer continues to be used for His glory however He desires.
“See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” Psalm 43:19
Blessings,
