One of my goals for this year is to walk/jog 1,000 miles, not counting my normal walk to work. So, I try to get in a few miles every day, whether I’m traveling or at home. A few weeks ago I was driving through Henderson, North Carolina and did a quick search for a park. My plan was to simply get out of the car, enjoy the sunshine, and walk for a bit. I ended up with yet another life lesson (or reminder), which was also the reason I decided to start this blog.
As I was strolling along, I was met by this group of people, not dressed for a walk. They looked purposeful, but I couldn’t come up with a reason for them to be there. Some looked a little sad, some thoughtful, and others at peace. Some smiled at me and and one woman actually spoke, saying “There’s a brand new bench up the way.” My reply was some quip about looking forward to seeing it. But in the back of my head, I wondered, who would make it a point to say something about a bench.
When I came to the bench, I realized why.
They had just finished dedicating this bench to a young man, who was gone much too soon, but who had obviously made a huge impact on their lives.
It got me to thinking about how all of our lives are interconnected in some way or another. Sean Jones lived his life “one day at a time” and he changed the group of people who dedicated the bench to his name. This group of people came together for him that day. But, the simple act of adding a bench to a walking path, will help those who need a brief rest while on that trail. But, they also made an impact on my life.
They made me ponder my own impact on others. Do I pray for others the way I should? Do I make a positive impact on others or do I drag them down? We’re all here for only a short period of time … what am I doing with my time?
Psalms and Peter tell us:
People are like grass; their beauty is like a flower in the field. The grass withers and the flower fades. But the word of the Lord remains forever.
Am I passing along the Word of the Lord … because it is all that remains forever.
Pause for a moment and think of all the people you have seen today. You had a choice to smile and be positive, to ignore them, or to frown and be negative. Which did you choose?
For me, I want to choose to smile and be positive. Smiles are contagious. Imagine if we all passed along smiles, cheer, support, and love as we each walk this life.
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