In 7th grade, at random times during the school day, I would hear a certain teacher down the hall yelling at students.

He was known for taking disruptive students out in the hallway and the whole school would echo with the his stern voice. Mr Pacifico didn’t mess around, and we all knew it. Most every student had a healthy respect for him, even if they didn’t have his class.

I feared that one day I would be in that class.

The next year, I was in his class and I was terrified. 

At that time in my life I was battling depression and panic attacks. I couldn’t concentrate on school work, I couldn’t focus on the lectures, I couldn’t read the required chapters. It was an extremely difficult time.

I did well on every test but I got behind on my daily class work. One day, Mr. “P” as he was known, called my name out and told me to meet him in the hallway. I knew I wasn’t in trouble for any behavioral issues but my fear took over. I walked through the door and braced myself for the verbal assault I was sure to receive.

What happened next changed the way I viewed Mr. P. It changed the way I viewed myself, and it still encourages me today.

Mr. Pacifico calmly and sincerely asked me what was going on in my life. As if he could sense the source of my struggle, he helped me talk through what was troubling me. We talked for a long time.

He expressed concern that I was wasting my potential. While I don’t remember exactly what he said, I remember he used the word “gifted” to describe me, and he filled me with hope and courage.

I continued to struggle for years after, but from that day on, I had Mr. Pacifico’s words to give me a better perspective.

For me, this mirrored my relationship with God. 

At 18 years old, I approached God with fear and regret, but I was met with acceptance and encouragement. He gave me a new perspective and a new direction. Obviously my relationship with God holds dynamics that go beyond this comparison. But it does make me wonder a few things.

Do I see the best in people, even if they can’t see it yet?
Am I bold enough to speak words that people need to hear?
Can I demonstrate sincere concern for others in a way that will help them reach their God given potential?

What about you?

Maybe you and I still need to be taken out in the hall every now and then to get some perspective.

-Tom Wise