A Certain Teacher

Steve McDowell was my 8th grade English teacher. He was young, cool and an incredible teacher. He was the one who encouraged and guided my interest in writing. But, he doesn't know. His guidance made an incredible difference in my life, but he has no idea how much he helped me. Who has made a difference in your life? What friend or mentor helped you in a positive way? Has there been a Steve McDowell in your past? Do they know?

Just as we do not acknowledge the impact of others, others do not always acknowledge our impact in their lives. Once we reach the other side, I am convinced that we will be amazed at the consequences of the spontaneous small kindnesses and the benefit of the passing compliments. Someone is learning from how live.

Maybe it would be a good thing to send a note to someone who has made a difference in our life. How much could we encourage someone if we took a moment and simply acknowledged their influence in our lives? Once I publish this post, I know that I am going to begin a search for a certain former teacher.