I was watching the movie The Princess Diaries this evening. I had seen the movie before, as had my older children. However, the youngest two had not. Lily was intrigued by the story of the young, awkward misfit who finds that she is truly a princess of a far-off land. Being only 4, she does not yet understand the intricacies of the story--why the popular girls are cruel to the main character, Mia, and why Mia cries when the boy she likes is unkind to her. What she did understand was the transformation that Mia undergoes as her grandmother, the Queen of Genovia, teaches her to be a princess. She liked the scene in which the hairdresser reveals the lovely, made-over Mia.
In the movie, Mia wants to hide from the people around her so she carries herself in such a way that no one will notice her. It works very well until her new-found identity is revealed. Her grandmother teaches her how to behave politely, how to stand and sit correctly, and how to carry herself like a lady. I found myself overcome with emotion at a key moment in the movie: The queen introduces her newly crowned princess to the rulers of the world at a lavish ball. As the two ladies enter the room, the queen extends her gloved arm to Mia, who places her hand atop her grandmother's. The queen escorts the princess into the room, and they both smile at one another as they make their grand entrance. I actually teared up!
Why did this scene affect me so? Perhaps it is because of the young princess-in-training sitting close to my right watching with me. I feel a sense of responsibility to teach Lily how to carry herself and how to be brave. I hope that I am teaching her well. I think that it also hit me how important it is for the older generation to lead and guide the younger. I have begun mentoring a young lady that I have known for several years. She has recently been married, and approached me to mentor her. To prepare for this, I began reading Titus 2:3-5. I am teaching her to love her husband, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to her husband so that no one will malign the word of God. It is rewarding to see how the Lord is working in both of our lives through this relationship. I think that the movie reminded me of something precious that is often not shared: Wisdom. As I saw the queen regard her granddaughter, I was struck by the truth and beauty displayed in such a simple scene. When an older woman invests her time and wisdom in a younger woman, the young daughter of the King benefits greatly.
I benefitted from the godly wisdom of my mother, grandmothers and older mentors in church. No matter who you are, you will benefit from a mentoring relationship--whether you are the mentor, or the one being mentored.
May God's richest blessings flow over you,
Jennifer
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