Instruct the wise, and they will be even wiser.

~Proverbs 9:9 NLT

“Hey, it’s __________’s mother.” The sun blazed in my eyes as I looked her way. I had not seen this parent in several years, but according to her and her husband, I had made a wise investment in their son.

Her son and five other sixth-grade boys arrived at our school in the same year that COVID-19 emerged. I didn’t know what her son looked like for months because he wore his mask religiously, whether we required it or not.

Having come from a public school, none of these young men had any inkling about grammar, which we taught strategically at our school, believing that doing so proved essential for good reading and writing skills.

However, her son was an exception to many from similar backgrounds. He was determined to learn and excel in what he didn’t know. So, he studied during class, during study hall, and at home. He asked a thousand questions about things he didn’t understand but wanted to. As he completed his assignments, he asked more questions to ensure he had done them correctly. He just didn’t want to do well; he wanted to master the material.

Sadly, when his high school years began, he decided to leave our school, wanting to attend a school that offered more opportunities. I remember the beginning of his first year away from us. He emailed me, thanking me for all I had invested in him. He even told me that his new English teacher had admitted that she knew less about grammar than he did.

But his mom shared an even more interesting story on this particular day. Her son had written a paper so well that the teacher had accused him of using AI (Artificial Intelligence).

“We had to meet with the teacher and explain why our son could write so well. It’s all because of you.”

I was humbled. We teachers don’t often hear such stories.

Her son was an avid soccer player, and we just happened to be at the same soccer complex watching one of our grandsons play.

“I’ve texted him to let him know you are here.”

Not long after, someone tapped me on my shoulder. “Hey, Dr. Wiles.”

I turned around to see my previous student and his dad.

“When I heard you were here, I had to bring _________ over to see you,” his dad said.

We chatted, and his dad thanked me again for investing in his son.

Solomon’s proverb is true. My student was intelligent and hardworking, but it took him and me laboring together to get him to where he is currently. Honestly, these rare moments keep me teaching amid the struggles that accompany the profession. Investing in a child is always worthwhile.

God provides many ways and opportunities for us to invest in family, friends, and strangers—beyond the initial privilege of sharing and showing God’s love. Don’t miss your chance to invest in others.

Think of some ways you can invest in others. 

Father, send me opportunities to invest in the lives of others.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: A Wise Investment: Martin Wiles: All Rights Reserved