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Key Bible Verses: I have no one else like Timothy, who genuinely cares about your welfare (Philippians 2:20). Bonus Reading: Acts 9:26-28

A pilot never forgets his primary flight instructor. Mine was Captain Gunness. He was an old helicopter pilot who'd seen lots of action. I was so impressed with him I could hardly speak in his presence.

Things started off well; Captain Gunness was a great instructor, and I learned quickly. Then, about halfway through, things hit a snag.

I'd had a terrible day. I was lagging so far mentally that I felt like the plane was landing when I was taking off. I was all over the sky, and I just knew Captain Gunness was going to give me a failing grade.

As we walked back to the ready room for debriefing, my head hung low as I waited for the ax to fall. About halfway across the flight line, as I walked beside my instructor, he called out to another instructor, "Hey, my student can fly circles around yours!"

I was stunned. He was talking to the instructor who had the top-rated student. I looked up at him, and he smiled and said, "I've invested too much in you for you to fold on me now. And you have what it takes."

His words totally turned me around, and proved prophetic. Thanks to Captain Gunness, I ended up graduating at the top of the class.

—Ted Roberts in Pure Desire

My Response: Whose confidence could I boost today with a compliment?

Thought to Apply: A pat on the back is only a few vertebrae removed from a kick in the pants, but is miles ahead in results.—ELLA WILCOX (writer)

Adapted from Pure Desire (Regal, 1999) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, you received me when I was down and out. Help me to accept others in the same spirit.

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