open door policy

Tonight, I got to hang out with a woman who is a mentor of mine, role model, and honestly one of my best friends. Shannon consistently allows me to "do life with her". Whether that be dinner, grocery shopping (don't underestimate the fun that two people can have in Walmart), coffee runs, or keeping her kids while she gets her hair cut, she always finds time to invest in me.  I never feel like I have to be fit into her schedule.  If I need advice about anything, to vent about something, or if I'm craving a sweet treat, I'm always told to "Come right over!' without any hesitation.

She has a true heart for guiding anyone in need!

We spent about four hours together tonight that included closing down Panera Bread, grocery shopping, and chatting in her space ship of a minivan...I love that thing.  Amidst all of our laughter and eating of baked goods was a lot of learning and teaching that was effortless.  Shannon didn't sit down in the booth across from me with the intent of teaching me anything, but as we shared stories with each other I was instructed nonetheless.

First, the word family isn't limited to your biological family.  Family is just like home.  You know the saying "home is where the heart is?" Well, it's true, and family is the same way.  If you are surrounded by people that care about you, challenge you, and encourage you in your walk with the Lord, then you are home with family.  I have family here in Jackson, and I have family in Starkville.  I am thankful for each of those so much.

Next, Shannon taught me (again) to cherish where I am in life.  Life is a roller coaster right now, with questions and choices around every corner.  My life is constantly evolving, and has been ever since I met Shannon while I was an awkward middle schooler. As I have grown older, we have grown closer, and she encourages me in each stage. I have a year and a half until I am thrown into the "real" real world, and I need to trust in the Lord's plan each step of the way.

Shannon taught me that you are never too old to squeal like a twelve-year-old when the other says something exciting.

Late night in Perkins during Summer 2010. I love you Shannon!

She, along with her husband Jon, constantly teach me what it is like to have a relationship where Christ is the center.  They trust each other, love each other, learn together, and encourage each other.  Tonight, while Shannon and I were sitting in the minivan chatting about who knows what, Shannon received a text from Jon saying that all of the laundry was caught up.  About an hour before that, she had told me that she was going to have to spend the day tomorrow doing laundry.  Jon did it all for her while she was out spending time with me.  Shannon's response when she read that message was, "I have a perfect husband." So, I guess I owe some thanks to Jon for not only allowing me to steal your wife for a night, but for teaching me how to love my future spouse one day.

The one thing that Shannon teaches me so often is the importance of "doing life with others". She has three daughters: one four year old and twin two year olds.  The lady is a superwoman.  However, she never tells me that she is too busy for me or that the house is too dirty for me to come over.  If her kids are throwing a tantrum, she doesn't tell me to leave. She simply hands me a baby and asks for help. And, just like tonight, she uses errand-running as a time to catch up, not a task that prevents her from seeing me.

I want to have an open-door policy that applies to more than just the front door of my home.  I want it to apply to my life in general.  I want an open home, mind, and heart that is here for anyone that needs it.  That is my prayer as I grow older, and I thank Shannon for inspiring me to use my passion for people like she uses hers.

So, friends, I encourage you to find your Shannon (as cheesy as that sounds).  Find someone that you can confide in, challenges you, and encourages you.  However, I also believe that mentoring is a full-circle act.  Once we are poured into, it is our turn to pour into others.  So, not only do I think it is important to find your Shannon, but we all need to go be a Shannon for someone that needs it.

Lend an ear, give a hug, and do life with someone.  You never know how much it could impact them!

Becca