Elisabeth Eliott writes this about Titus 2.3-5:
“It would help younger women to know there are a few listening ears when they don’t know what to do with an uncommunicative husband, a 25-pound turkey, or a two-year-old’s tantrum.
It is doubtful that the Apostle Paul had in mind Bible classes or seminars or books when he spoke of teaching younger women. He meant the simple things, the everyday example, the willingness to take time from one’s own concerns to pray with the anxious mother, to walk with her the way of the cross–with its tremendous demands of patience, selflessness, lovingkindness–and to show her, in the ordinariness of Monday through Saturday, how to keep a quiet heart.
These lessons will come perhaps most convincingly through rocking a baby, doing some mending, cooking a supper, or cleaning a refrigerator. Through such an example, one young woman–single or married, Christian or not–may glimpse the mystery of charity and the glory of womanhood.†( — “A Woman’s Mandate”)
I thought this picture of an “older woman” was so inspiring. It’s the woman I want to grow up to be.
But I was more than just inspired; I was reminded immediately of a woman I know and admire: Mrs. Nordberg. Our culture would say that she’s entered a season of life where she can really enjoy herself — in fact, she deserves it. (Haven’t you come to hate that word?) Her children are all grown and out of the house. She should be lavishing her time on none other than herself, says popular thinking. But instead, she recognizes an opportunity to sow in a very involved way into the lives of younger women. She rocks their babies and cooks their meals, strengthens their weary hands and feeble knees, and prays with faith when they cannot. She’s aware of the demands on their time, energy, and emotions, and she thoughtfully and tangibly shows them Christ. And that’s how it should be. That’s how God designed it.
And it’s a truly beautiful design.
I agree. I agree! What a nice tribute!
I’m glad I’m getting my vision straightened out these days. Lately, I’ve been set on investing into the pay-off that will come during the “empty nester, golden years.” Just last year I thought, “Yeah! I can go back to teaching public school music again! That’s what I love to do!” Or, “When the children are grown I can FINALLY have a tidy home the way I want it, and put nick-nacks out and everything!” I found with that selfish attitude I spent more time wishing and wasting today away and enviously looking forward to a future of self-indulgence. Without a vision the people perish. I was perishing. Definitely.
But things have changed. I layed aside my own understanding, and shortly thereafter the Lord filled me with His understanding. The vision came and dreams of self-indulgence turned into dreams like what you describe above. Instead of going back to teaching, I desire to become a CNM. Not a CPM for homebirthing. But a CNM to be there for women in the hospitals; most of whom think they’re prepared after reading (not being around older women to show them) “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and taking a Lamaze class. Be there for women who may not have a husband, or a coach, or anyone! I’m changing my diet and health habits so that I can be vibrant and healthy 20yrs from now when my own children may be in the place where I am now. My family can’t help me. They’re too bogged down with relentless financial debt, health problems, emotional problems, and bound to having to work at their jobs. I’m going about this on my own, reading the books and getting online support elsewhere. Even my local church fails me in this area called “Titus 2.” I want to be for future young moms what not many are for me in the present. I even thought of creating a Christian non-profit organization in the future called “G.O.D. Can Babysit.” Grandmothers On Demand (GOD). In my loneliest, neediest times there was no one for me to call on for help. I longed for my mom to be nearby, but she’s not. Not in this highly mobile society. I wished for a grandmother, older woman with experience, to come and teach me in my home, be there, care for my children… and yes, care for me. I used to cry out to God, “I know You can do all things, but YOU CAN’T BABYSIT!” Not in the literal idea of it. Can you imagine walking into a grocery store and someone asking you where your children are and you say to them, “Oh, they’re home with God. He’s babysitting tonight.” HA!
Anyway, you got me on a tangent, because what you are talking about is close to my heart. Something I want to become. Something I do not have. Something I’m beginning to accept I’ll probably never have.