Mentorship: Making Memories

I was recently talking to one of the female missionaries in our region, and we were discussing ways to invest more deeply into those we mentor/disciple.

The theme she and her teammates were striving after (and I thought was genius) was "Making Memories."  Especially in the beginning stages of the relationship, having shared, memorable experiences can do wonders! Many of us are familiar with Aristotle's descriptions for the different forms of friendship. Ultimately, what we should be striving for is the "virtuous friendship," the one that makes you want to be a better person, strive in holiness, and sacrifice for the good of the other.  But sometimes, you need a stepping stone to get there. He describes other friendships, one being the "pleasant friendship."  This is where both parties find some kind of enjoyment from the other, you like the same things, went on the same trip, etc.  Though this is objectively a lower form of friendship, it can be a beautiful way to begin the path to the virtuous one.

What are examples of making memories??

 Roadtrips!

 Scrapbooking party (Or just something your disciple/mentor loves to do!)

Going to a concert! (And get matching shirts from the night :)

Go to a school sporting event together!

Visiting a different school! (My disciple and I visited the Bradley team last year and she still talks about it!)

Go Camping! In the winter. When there is snow preferably. Adds to the hardcore factor.

Get dressed up and see an opera. (Best thing I did with a girl in my bible study to get to know her better.)

Go on a pilgrimage to a beautiful church or holy site nearby!

Go on a foreign mission trip or pilgrimage together!

Take them home to meet your crazy family!

Have a sleepover!

Paint your faces like the band Kiss at 2am... (I wish I could find that picture...)

Teach eachother your favorite devotions and do them together regularly.

Give her Dreads.

Take dance lessons together.

Learn a new trade together, like knitting, or changing a tire, woodworking.

Train for a half-marathon together.

Do the ND Bike Race, and come back with battle wounds.

"..we were willing to share with you, not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves. So dearly beloved you have become to us."  Sharing our very selves.  This is difficult to do at a coffee shop every week. The more vulnerable you make yourself, the more freedom and security you give them to be vulnerable with you.