Like a Pebble in a Still Pond, Mentoring Creates a Ripple Effect

Anthony picked up every candle in God’s Storehouse. He smelled each one. It was so important to find just the right candle, and he did! “This is it! My Mom will love this one.”

Anthony’s birthday and his mom’s are just a few days apart. His mentor, Beverly, had planned to celebrate Anthony that day, but he was focused on his Mom. Anthony was sure a card was too expensive until they remembered their favorite thrift store, God’s Storehouse.    

So, with a $5 budget, Anthony focused on finding a card and a gift. He found the perfect candle, and then he read every birthday card in the store. He chose one, then took it back, and chose a better one.

Anthony found just the right necklace as a patient clerk helped him look through the case.  A gift bag (Anthony's idea) and sales tax put them 15 cents over budget… he wanted to make sure that was ok with his mentor and she gave him the go ahead.

The note Anthony wrote to his mom in the car, was the kind a Mom keeps forever. As they drove up to his home, Anthony invited his mentor in so she could be there when he gave his mom her gifts. 

Beverly said "I don’t think I’ll ever forget the joy and pride on Anthony's face when he gave his mom her gifts." Beverly later learned mom was struggling with a problem that would make any of us feel overwhelmed and sad. Anthony’s kindness was much needed. He chose to think more of her than himself that day.

At The Bridge, we talk a lot about ripple effect. We usually think of ripple effect in terms of the role we play in helping classrooms, and families, and students. But Beverly got to be there on a 9-year-old boy’s birthday when the ripples were all made by him…for his Mom.   

Like a pebble in a still pond, mentoring creates a ripple effect. 

*Names changed to protect privacy