I’ll never forget the day I met my mentor. At the time, I was lost—wandering through life, unsure of my next step. I had ambition but no clear direction, potential but no guidance. I prayed for clarity, for someone to show me the way.

Then, in what I can only describe as divine timing, God sent me a mentor.

At first, I didn’t even realize what was happening. Our conversations seemed casual—small lessons here and there, wisdom wrapped in everyday words. But over time, I began to see the pattern: Every word, every challenge, every encouragement was shaping me.

They saw something in me that I couldn’t yet see in myself. They didn’t just teach me skills; they taught me how to think, how to navigate obstacles, and how to trust in God’s timing.

I soaked up every lesson, but one thing kept bothering me: What could I possibly give back?

They had years of experience. They had already walked the path I was just beginning to tread. I felt like all I could do was take—take advice, take direction, take the wisdom they were pouring into me.

But then, God revealed something powerful: Mentorship is a two-way blessing. It is not just about receiving; it’s about giving back in ways that truly matter.

1️⃣ The Gift of Gratitude

One day, after a particularly transformative conversation, I felt an overwhelming sense of appreciation. Instead of just thanking them in passing, I wrote a heartfelt message explaining exactly how they had changed my life.

I told them about the crossroads I had been at before I met them. How their words gave me clarity. How their faith in me gave me confidence. How their wisdom saved me from mistakes I would have blindly walked into.

I’ll never forget their response. They said, “This is why I do what I do.”

That’s when I realized: Mentors don’t do this for money or recognition. They do it to make a difference. And knowing they had done that? It was one of the greatest gifts I could ever give them.

2️⃣ Public Honor & Acknowledgment

As I grew in my career, opportunities started coming my way—speaking engagements, interviews, chances to share my journey. And each time, I made sure to acknowledge the person who helped me get there.

When people asked about my success, I didn’t just talk about my hard work; I talked about my mentor. I shared the lessons they taught me, the moments that changed me.

One day, my mentor told me they had been contacted by someone who wanted them to mentor because of my testimony. My words had opened a door for someone else to receive the same blessing I had.

That’s when I understood Proverbs 27:2:
“Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth; an outsider, and not your own lips.”

Honoring those who have helped us isn’t just about appreciation—it’s about expanding their influence so they can bless even more lives.

3️⃣ The Ultimate Thank You: Becoming Who They Believed I Could Be

One day, my mentor looked me in the eyes and said, “My greatest reward is seeing you succeed.”

That statement stuck with me. I realized the best way I could ever repay them was by fully stepping into my calling.

So I worked harder. I applied the lessons they taught me. I became intentional about my growth—not just for myself, but because I wanted my mentor to know their investment had not been wasted.

And the day I finally achieved a major milestone, the first person I called was them. Their voice was filled with joy. I could hear it—the deep fulfillment of knowing they had made a difference.

That’s when I knew: Giving back to a mentor isn’t about money. It’s about honoring, appreciating, and living out the purpose they helped you discover.

Passing It On

Now, as I walk further on my journey, I realize something else: One day, it will be my turn.

One day, God will send someone into my life who needs guidance, just as I once did. And when that happens, I will remember everything my mentor taught me.

Because the greatest way to honor those who pour into us is to become mentors ourselves.

So today, I ask you: Who has God placed in your life as a mentor? Have you thanked them? Have you honored them? And most importantly—are you living in a way that shows their guidance was not in vain?