Maybe you Misunderstood Me, God
By Dixie Darr
Once during Sunday school, I was listening to Becca, a young woman in her early twenties, talk about a skills exercise we were doing and I heard a little voice in my head say, "I'd like to mentor one of these young people." It surprised me because I've always avoided having anything to do with kids. Of course, Becca isn't a "kid" but she's young enough to be below my radar. I kept thinking (and praying) about that after the class.
A few days later, when our youth minister asked me to mentor a junior high student, my first reaction was, "Uh-oh. I should have been more specific." I've never taught kids, never had much to do with them. Never really liked them (even when I was one).
But that's what happens when you pray about something. Sometimes the answer isn't what you expected or wanted. My friend, Sheila, a newly ordained minister with the AME church, told her pastor that she wanted to work with hospice patients and teach a Bible study class—anything but work with youth. “My kids are grown now,” she explained. “I already did that.” Of course he promptly assigned her to be the youth minister, a position she grew to love.
When my students form learning teams, they tend to stick with the tasks they are already familiar with. “Remember,” I tell them. “You’re here to learn new things, not just continue to do what you already do well.” We all have to step outside our comfort zones to learn how to do new things. So, this afternoon, I’m meeting Brianna, my own personal 13-year old mentee. Wish me luck. A few prayers wouldn’t hurt either. That’s what got me into this in the first place.
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1:37:49 PM 
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