The Untaught Lesson

Teacher, Mentor, Friend

On March 3, 1887, Anne Sullivan met Helen Keller. In the years that followed, Anne was a faithful teacher and friend.

One might look at Helen Keller and think there wasn’t hope for a blind, deaf girl who didn’t understand many things about her own world.

But Anne cared enough to help, and persevered until a breakthrough became a lifelong journey of discovery, insight, and friendship.

Helen became an accomplished author and speaker.

And together, Anne and Helen inspired millions. Who in turn, helped others.

My Teachers, Mentors, and Friends

Along with dedicated schoolteachers, I’m grateful for the people who explain life things. Like how to air up my tires or configure my computer a certain way. Or the person who answers my questions about what plants are best suited for my yard. Or a thousand other ways people have helped me.

But among the most valuable qualities of those mentors, is that they care enough to help, and they persevere as I try to understand things in my world.

Their impact may be small or large. And last for a minute. Or a lifetime.

And the period of time I know them may be a few moments, or it may blossom into a long friendship.

But the scope of the impact isn’t the most significant thing. Neither is the actual knowledge I learn from the person.

And if we become friends, the precious gift of friendship is only enhanced by the real lesson:

What I most want to emulate is that they care enough to help. Regardless of who I am, or what I know or don’t know. And they persevere until they provide all the help they can.

When one person does that, it is important and impactful.

And when two or more people band together with that goal, we can do so much more.

What invaluable lesson have you learned from a teacher or mentor?

The Untaught Lesson – What invaluable lesson did you learn from a teacher or mentor? Share on X

Joni Vance is an award-winning author of fiction, essay, and poetry. She loves mystery, history, and how God reveals Himself every day.

May God reveal the mystery of His love in your life story.