There is a story about a Professor Howard Hendricks.  He said that by the 5th grade he felt insecure, unloved and angry at life.  His teacher, Miss Simon, apparently thought he was blind to the problem because she regularly reminded him  'Hendricks, you're the worst child in the school.'  So he said that he proceeded to live up to her opinion of him.  Upon entering the 6th grade, his new teacher, Miss Noe, glanced over to where he was sitting, defiantly, just waiting to go into action.  Smiling, she said, "Hendricks, I've heard a lot about you but I don't believe a word of it!'

He said that was a turning point in his life.  For the first time, somebody saw potential in him.  He said that Miss Noe put him on special assignments.  She invited him to stay after school and work with her.  As a result, Howard couldn't let her down.  He said he got so involved in his homework he stayed up until 1:30 am!  His dad came down the hall and ask him if he was sick.  He said, " No dad, just doing homework." His father rubbed his eyes and shook his head in disbelief.  He had never heard his son say anything like that before.  What made the difference?  Somebody was willing to believe in him, while challenging him with higher expectations.

Everybody likes the end product of mentoring, especially when it yields a peek-performer.  But how many of us are willing to risk dealing with the person on the front end?  The ones that do demonstrate the kind of love that--never fails!

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