You may think that you are completely insignificant in this world. But someone drinks coffee from the favorite cup that you gave them. Someone heard a song on the radio that reminded them of you. Someone read the book that you recommended, and plunged headfirst into it. Someone smiled after a hard day's work, because they remembered the joke that you told them today. Someone loves them self a little bit more, because you gave them a compliment. Never think that you have no influence whatsoever. Your trace, which you leave behind with every good deed, cannot be erased.
3am thoughts
There are times when each of us feels we are on fire contributing so much to life and others. Then there are those moments we doubt that we are adding anything at all. This quote is a precious reminder that our impact is not only in the present but in every act of kindness we share. As we look around our homes there is evidence of all who have touched our lives in the past, and into our tomorrows.
When I fill my bird feeder that Cameron’s family gave me it brings them to mind just as it gives me joy to see the mother and child that Natalie found me that sits on my side table in the living room. The heart hands that Lissa sketched for me hangs in the kitchen as a reminder of her heart for me. All the sweet heart rocks that others give me matter but the ones from Tyler just crush me. His thinking of me is beyond what I deserve. Sandy drove around with a plaque that says Let Go and Let God in her car for so long before gifting it to me. It gives me hope to keep praying for my friend to have the gift of Jesus in her life.
It is not just the tangible gifts that matter in our lives but the moments we share with others that will always be a part of who we are. I will always tell Susi that if she talks bad about herself that I will knock her down. That sounds harsh but I had to literally knock her down years ago. Nobody talks bad about my friend! The trips and holidays spent together and all the sweet, intimate conversations live in our hearts and connect us.
As I write this I am drinking coffee out of a sweet coffee cup cousin Clara gave me that shows me holding my great grandson for the first time hours after he was born. What I am reminded of by these encouraging words of the impact each of us makes on one another, is that it isn’t our past that connects us alone. But that throughout each and everyday we have opportunities to touch others with kindness. Even if we order our groceries rather than visiting in the aisles of the grocery store, we can thank those who deliver what we need to our cars.
So when we want to give up remember God wants us to get up and reach out in whatever ways we are able. His first commandments were to live Him and one another. Look around your home and smile at how many love you then pick up the phone and thank them for being a part of your life. Remind yourself of some of the gifts that you couldn’t wait to present to someone you cherish and know that they are thinking of you every time they see your gift. Whenever we are feeling excluded we need to reflect on who God has put in our lives for a lifetime or a season and smile for how fortunate we are. I am beyond thankful for each of you who take the time to read my heart and encourage me like my sweet Tammy. Thank You!
In Him,
Joyful
9-24-23
You have always been blessing in my life! Love you 😍💗
ReplyDelete