Lessons from the Titus 2 Women

I am older than I used to be.

Perhaps, you, too, are experiencing the same phenomenon. I hear it’s common.

I’m only 46. I say “only” because, in my circle of acquaintances, I am quite the young one. My husband is the pastor of a small Midwestern church. I am surrounded by ladies who could be my mother and grandmother. Or at least an elderly aunt.

Frankly, there is some kind of rest that is found when one’s models in life are of a certain age. And I think, ultimately, the experience has made me more comfortable in my own skin.

Or it could be that the “skin” is getting older and more flexible.

There is also something to learn from those who have faced the trials and tragedies of life head-on and can still find joy and beauty in it all; not all do…but it’s a precious thing.

Every Wednesday morning, a group of ladies gathers at my house for breakfast and Bible study. The coffee is hot and plentiful. I always set out my vintage china and there is real honey in the honey pot. This past week, as we sat and enjoyed each other and God’s Word, I recognized the scene. It was one that had been played out my whole life. I have had the benefit of a wise mother and other Godly, older women in my life to speak into my life.

There are many of you who are just starting out on your particular journey. Maybe you are a new homeschooling family. Or maybe a new mom. Or maybe you are a young mother with a brood of busy little ones. My sister used to hide in her closet to call me on the phone when her kids were little. Maybe your life has thrown you challenges you didn’t expect, and you are struggling to stay afloat.

It’s always nice to hear that you aren’t alone. It’s even nicer to hear that you will survive the experience.

I want to share with you some thoughts heard around my table. Listen to them. Let them speak to you.

Own Your Mess. We all have created them. I’m not talking about the physical messes in our houses…though I have a few more of those than I would like to have. There are going to be a whole lot of things that come your way which you have no control over. Don’t make it worse by filling your life with drama, which has no place there. Clear out those behaviors and attitudes that have become rank and putrid. Own up to your contributions to the chaos in your life and go the other direction.

Be yourself. Don’t worry about trying to impress those around you. Some hearts are fickle. You are fearfully and wonderfully made. Let God use who YOU are. He has not called anyone else to your life.

Enjoy your kids while they’re little. We all say we know this, but do we practice it? Do we take time to build pillow forts with them or teach them to bake? Do we stop enough in the busyness of life for plenty of snuggling and long talks about what they are interested in? Believe me, I know. My own teenage son could have an hour-long conversation about tornadoes and red-eyed tree frogs when he was little. Thankfully, those conversations have paid off. He still likes to talk to me…though we haven’t talked about red-eyed tree frogs in quite some time. One day, those little kids will grow up and move away. Cherish those times together.

Live and Love. Take your family on hikes. Play board games every week. Find a hobby. Learn a language. Learn to play the piano. Don’t be afraid of life. Just live. Embrace the life God has given you and share it. Don’t let life pass you by. It won’t look perfect, but it will be yours. Don’t waste those relationships that God has placed in your life. Be good to them. Treasure them.

Establish a life of devotion. Your time with God should be a natural part of your day. It should be as common in your life as breathing in and out. I can’t tell you how many of these older ladies have emphasized their absolute need for consistent daily devotions.

I have been even more inspired to get into God’s word. The more you seek Him….

I’m sure you are aware of this, but God asks the older women to minister to the younger women (Titus 2:3-5):

…so that they may encourage the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sensible, pure, workers at home, kind, being subject to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be dishonored.

Maybe God is molding you into a Titus 2 woman. Maybe He is asking you to take that new homeschool mom under your wings. Or encouraging you to love on that new momma in your church; I’m sure she needs a long shower and a nap. Maybe you have a group of young women you are raising that need to see the example in you.

Or maybe, you are like me. Maybe you have some of those older saints in your life who need to be heard. They need some time spent with friends around a table.

Rebekah Teague is the homeschooling mama to one busy and beautiful boy. She is married to The Muffin who is a pastor and a really great guy. In her spare time she can be found with a book and a cup of tea. She blogs at There Will Be A $5 Charge For Whining.