I must confess, no teacher made a more profound impression or did I more highly respect than my high school band instructor Mr. Harvey Benstein. Without a doubt there are many others who share this sentiment about him. He was and continues to be a dynamic instructor and mentor. Truth be told, music was a high point in my rather lackluster high school educational career. I think back to various extra-curricular music rehearsals I couldn’t wait to attend. In some ways, I approach worship band rehearsals today with the same wide-eyed anticipation.
I was reminded of those powerful memories recently watching a documentary about a former national award winning Texas high school jazz band. The documentary was about members from the late 60’s through the late 70’s gathering to form an alumni tribute band. The ultimate goal was to honor their former leader. Some hadn’t picked up an instrument in over thirty years. Amazingly, many couldn’t resist jumping in anyway. The documentary provided a moving and fitting tribute to a well deserving educator and mentor.
Mentors hold a special place in all our hearts. Their patience and straight forward advice in pivotal moments have inspired confidence, insight and direction. Funny thing is, insight from the past can even be sensed in our present day circumstances, often outliving the one who gave it. I find that amazing. What a legacy of influence!
Legacy is part of life… good or bad. What will ours be? Others will be the judge one day. For now, growing and challenging those around us is a necessary privilege. Ultimately, intersecting lives are occasions for God’s timeless principles to develop in and through us. May our purposes remain focused on His purposes as we step into the future prayerfully mentoring those God has placed in our care.
God is good,
Tim Covert
