I've been hearing a lot lately about mentoring and reaching out to those who are learning, growing, and struggling and taking time - no matter how little - for them. It's often reiterated that we have no idea how much things that we may consider inconsequential can profoundly influence others. But I'm often intimidated - even by kids a third my age - into inaction in this area. I pray for help.
My friend Mike was recently approached by a former middle school student of his and learned just such a lesson. Even though Mike initially had trouble even placing the now-grown attorney's name, the young man hadn't forgotten Mike. This fellow recounted the things that Mike had done to show interest in his life, things like bringing him along to a major league ballgame. Mike had no idea he had made such an impression and he was now profoundly moved himself by the gratitude he was being shown.
Here's a Tony Campolo lecture (about 10 minutes long) that contains a couple of really good relevant stories:
1 comment:
Thanks Johnny. I guess things like that are among the benefits of getting older. I think he would have done fine without my influence, but, combined with many other people in his life, it made a huge difference.
I have to believe God sent him my way recently as an encouragement and a challenge.
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