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The Easiest Ministry  

5/17/2013

3 Comments

 
Today, my friend Emily is coming to stay with us for a week. She and I went to the same college, where we were placed in a "discipleship family" through the campus ministry. To her, and a handful of other girls, I am "Mama Liz," who was there through all the ups and downs of college life. With cupcakes, of course. 
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I loved being the mama in college, because, let's face it, I'm a meddler. I love digging around in people's emotional baggage. I love counseling them through it. I love eating cupcakes with them. Who wouldn't? 

Most of these girls didn't require a lot of time or energy. They just needed someone to be there for the little things—coffee breaks, boy troubles, finals meltdowns. And I was happy to do that. 

I had no idea how important those "little things" would turn out to be. 

When we moved to Kosovo, the emails began. One after another, the girls I mentored in school continued to write me. Sometimes just to say they were thinking about me. Other times, to ask for advice or detail whatever crisis they might be going through. Before I knew it, every single girl had written to me, without me saying a word. 
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The family: Emily, Gretchen, Blair, Lauren, Areanna, and me!
I was so surprised at how much they all wanted to keep it up. In college, they couldn't really avoid me, I was so involved in everyone's life. Now, they could feel free to do what they wanted. But they all wanted to be discipled. Even if they had to send letters across the ocean, or come here themselves. 

When Emily told me she would fly to Kosovo (from her program in England), I could hardly contain myself. The fact that she wanted to come all the way here spoke volumes to me. I'm so proud of the woman she's become, and I'm so humbled that she still wants to hang out with her "mama." 

So let me just remind you all to take the time to be with people for the little things. It doesn't take a lot of effort to mentor someone. It can be a whole lot of fun, too. But best of all, it makes a difference. And when you're on the other side of the world, someone might just catch a plane to see you. And I can't tell you what that's worth. 

Love to you,
Liz (and Sam) 

As always, support can be sent to
Sam & Elizabeth Steere
3601 Ginger Creek Dr. 
Springfield, IL 62711

Thank you!

3 Comments
Grandma Mac
5/18/2013 10:53:12 am

Just know you will have a great time with your friend Emily. What an impact you had on these young girls in college. Am so proud of you. Am sure you have plenty time to listen and also give advice. Love you both.

Reply
Margaret Spiegel
5/23/2013 11:28:21 am

Liz, I know we didn't spend much time together at Knox, although we knew who the other was. I am glad I have access to your blog through Christina because it makes me SO HAPPY to you and Sam SO HAPPY! This was particularly pertinent during your previous entry regarding your struggles with writing an accurate memoir filled with beautiful memories and experiences rather than the expected difficulties of married life in a foreign place. Liz, the world needs more stories like yours and Sam's. We need to be reminded that those beautiful things are what we ought to strive to look for in our daily lives and they exist for those willing to see them. It also brings me hope for my life and those of my friends.

I felt compelled to comment on this post because you deserve to know just how bright your light shines. I merely knew of you through a few friends involved in IVCF, yet it was abundantly clear to me how beautiful of a person you are. The few times we were introduced/ate lunch together, I felt absolutely comfortable and knew you are unlike anyone I'll ever meet again. Thank you for being you and I'm glad you and your discipleship family have stayed so close, although I'm not at all surprised!

I'm wishing you and Sam all the happiness in the world, and then some!

Margaret

Reply
Liz
5/24/2013 02:11:41 am

Wow, Margaret...I don't know what to say! Thank you so much for writing this. I'm incredibly encouraged and honored by your words. I truly believe that we have a great source of hope for our lives, and I'm glad that my words have passed that on to you. May you always find abundant hope and joy in Jesus, who loves you beyond measure.

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