We make an impact on the lives around us, that impact is either good or dangerous. For me, I have had both in my life, just as many of you have had. But today I am remembering someone who made an impact on my life, and who knew what kind that would be, but God. In second grade, my favorite teacher happened to be Ms. Brown, she was our librarian. At that time I was attending a very small school, but this teacher, this woman gave me the love of reading. She would share books with me, tell me stories,and give me a smile each day, asking how I was and what was I reading now. Of course at that time I didn't know just how much of an impact she would make on my life. I have no idea where Ms. Brown is now, but I know the things she taught me, the love of reading she shared made a powerful impact on my life. I loved going to the library, loved the smell of books, and the feel of the pages, and just where the stories took me. I still have that love today, so to her I want to say thank you, thank you for giving your time, and reaching out to a little girl that you brought to a whole new level just by sharing the love you had for reading. Those people around us can give a powerful impact on our lives. When we reach out to others, when we take others into our lives and share with them, we are reaching a place so deep that will forever be with them. Lord, I pray with the life You have given me, that I use my life to bring glory to You, and make a powerful impact on those around me, bringing them closer to You, not farther away with my actions or words or opinions. May all my opinions, deeds and words point straight to You.
Micah 6:8 "He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"
We must be wise in our actions with others, reaching out in a loving, Godly way. We must be careful in our words, and actions building others up, not tearing them down. Just one word can change the life of another. We can encourage others by being truthful, with love. Just as I had other teachers in high school tell me I was on my way to hell, and didn't take time to know my heart, they too made an impact on my young years. I believed these Catholic leaders that told me I was nothing unless I conformed to them. This put me on a course of not caring about myself. I thought, well, if this is true, why should I try? Today, I know I am special, I am a child of God. No man or woman has my salvation in their hands, only God, and I praise Him for that. Too many times we give our opinions to others and in those opinions we are not leading others to Him, but are making okay for what they are doing. That is not encouraging, that is moving in the way of danger, allowing them to think the path they are on is a good one. There is a difference in encouraging, and just fitting the mold. We must remember we are accepted in God's love, in His forgiveness, and He can renew us, and He can give us all we need.
Today, I pray that all I do, all I come in contact with I can impact their lives in a wonderful way by showing them who Jesus is, and being the example I should be to the world and those around me. Just thinking that one word, one comment can change one forever, can change the way they look at themselves, and others. May our words be pleasing to the Lord always.
