Mentors Are Like A Strong Tailwind – A Short Story
In a quaint village in the south of a land far far away, there lived a young aspiring woodturner named Ronald. He had always been fascinated by the art of transforming rough pieces of wood into exquisite creations. However, his initial attempts were often clumsy, with wood splintering under his uncertain hands. His heart ached with the desire to master the craft, but he was lost in a maze of mistakes and frustration.
One autumn morning, a seasoned professional woodturner named Chris arrived at his workshop for a full day of paid instruction. His presence was calm and reassuring, like a gentle breeze on a hot day. He observed Ronald’s efforts with kind, twinkling eyes and then spoke, his voice steady and warm.
“Ronald,” he said, “I see the passion in your work, but you need guidance. Would you allow me to be your mentor?”
Ronald’s heart leapt with hope, and he eagerly accepted his offer. From that day forward, Chris became a constant presence in his life, much like a strong tailwind to a weary traveler.
Chris's mentorship was not just about teaching techniques but about instilling confidence and patience. He showed him how to select the right wood, hold his tools with finesse, and listen to the lathe's rhythm. With each lesson, Ronald felt his skills growing, his hands becoming steadier, and his mind clearer.
Under Chris’s watchful eye, Ronald learned to trust his instincts. His gentle corrections and encouraging words were like a tailwind, propelling him forward with newfound speed and precision. The wood seemed to bend to his will, taking shape effortlessly as if guided by an invisible force.
Months passed, and Ronald’s workshop was soon filled with beautiful bowls, vases, and intricate sculptures. Each piece bore the mark of his growing expertise and the subtle influence of Chris’s guidance. His reputation as a talented woodturner spread throughout the land and people marveled at his creations.
One day, as Ronald stood before a particularly challenging project, he felt a surge of doubt. But then he heard Chris’s voice in his mind, reminding him of his lessons. With a deep breath, he began to work, and the wood responded as if it had been waiting for his touch. When Ronald finished, the piece was more magnificent than anything he had ever created.
“You see, Ronald,” Chris would have said softly, “a mentor is like a strong tailwind. We can help you gain speed and confidence, but it is your own skill and determination that steer the course. You have become a master in your own right.”
Ronald smiled, gratitude swelling in his heart. He realized that Chris’s mentorship had not only improved his craft but had also ignited a fire within him, driving him to pursue his passion with unwavering determination.
And so, Ronald continued to turn wood into art, each piece a testament to his journey and the invisible tailwind that had guided him along the way. Ronald says “Remember that wherever you go, there you are.”
THE END
Here is my inspiration for this message:
(Prov 19:20 [AMP]) Hear counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, that you may be wise in the time to come.
(Prov 27:17 [NASB]) Iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens another.
(2Tim 2:2 [NASB]) The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.
(Phil 4:9 [MSG]) Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies.
