Today’s blog features a voice of a younger generation. Mickey McCloud currently works on the women’s event team at LifeWay Christian Resources in Nashville, TN. Continue reading as Mickey reminds us of the importance of investing in the younger generation…
I’ll admit it, I’m a nerd. I love to learn. My favorite day each year was when my parents would take me to go shopping for school supplies! I couldn’t wait to buy a new Lisa Frank notebook and brand new metallic milky pens. YES! Those were the days…
As the years went on, I still loved school. I was one of those weird kids that actually enjoyed high school, and loved college even more! I’ve always loved the feeling of turning in a final exam and walking away with more knowledge and a great sense of accomplishment!
However, there were some classes that didn’t give me that feeling of completion at the end of the semester. Sometimes I would walk away feeling that I spent an entire year doodling my first name, and the last name of the cute boy across the room. I remember thinking, “how could I go to this class for months and literally not learn anything?” For someone who has an appetite to learn, there is nothing more frustrating.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop in the classroom, or in adulthood. During college, I was given the opportunity to intern for a summer. I was promised that I would have a mentor, someone who was going to teach me everything I needed to know about girls’ ministry. I counted down the months until summer, eager to learn and invest in the girls there.
I loved those girls. I created some lasting relationships that have continued all of these years, despite thousands of miles. I wouldn’t trade my time with them for anything, but I can’t help but reflect with a bit of sadness.
I was promised a mentor. I was promised a teacher. I was eager and willing to try, to fail and to try again. But in the end, I didn’t have anyone who gave me constructive criticism, or affirmation when a job was well-done. I felt alone. I wondered if I had done something wrong, or if I just wasn’t worth pouring into. I began to doubt my calling, and felt that I must just not be a worthy investment. In retrospect, I don’t think it had anything to do with me. I think they were pleased with my time there, and loved me, just as I loved them.
However, perhaps the greatest lesson I learned from that internship experience was the importance of taking time to invest and equip others. We do the Kingdom a disservice by not taking the time to teach and encourage the giftings of those around us.
So I leave you with this challenge:
Is there someone in your life who is teachable? Is there someone who has been sitting in your office, in your classroom, or even in your home that is quietly saying, “Teach me. I’m Yours”?
Mickey McCloud grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in Interpersonal Communication. She interned at LifeWay Christian Resources in the summer of 2010 and thankfully, they let her stay! She is now serving as a Simulcast Coordinator Associate in the Women’s Training and Events department. She is addicted to $1 McDonald Diet Coke’s and telling corny jokes.
