Ripples...

Every day our life affects others in some way or another. Our actions, good or bad, cause ripples that go out into the world and makes an impact. I almost said that our actions cause ripples that go out to those in our lives, but the truth of the matter is, we can have an affect on people we have never before met.

A few months ago I sent some gourmet brownies to a friend who was having a hard time and she took them to work to share with her co-workers. She sent me a note of thanks and told me how much they all LOVED the brownies and were thrilled that she shared with them. One small act, affecting 6 women - women who had eaten chocolate - so how many others were affected by those brownies.

There are so many ways to send good ripples out into our world and make a positive impact. Sending a card, making a donation to charity, volunteering, praying for someone, holding a door open, smiling at someone, giving a hug and even making eye contact with someone can make a huge difference in their lives; uplifting them and those they come in contact with during their day.

Conversely, our bad actions can also cause ripples that can affect those we come in contact with and the people they come in contact with during their day. Someone cuts in front of you in line and you react badly, perhaps speaking out and calling them a name. That affects them and those around you and perhaps they leave you in such a bad mood that they take it out on others like their spouse or children.

We never know how others will be affected by our actions. We never know who is watching us. Our parents, children - especially young children - neighbors, co-workers, people who look up to us, etc., etc. What example are we giving others? What effect are the ripples we cause having on others?

I am thinking most especially of Christians who profess to love our Lord Jesus Christ but seem to have no problem calling someone else a name if they disagree with them, walking past someone in need, and so many other un-Christ like actions. Jesus told us to love God above all else and to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Every day we need to examine our actions and see if we are having a positive impact on the world around us or a negative impact. Are our actions making Jesus happy?

We don't have to do great things to cause a ripple, even the smallest action goes out from us and creates change. Make your actions good!