What am I Leaving?

Acts 4:36
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “son of encouragement”) sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Within a few days, I heard that three men our family knew had passed away. Although I had not seen any of them for some years, I felt the sting of grief. As I prayed for their families and friends, memories of each of them flooded my mind. I'd known Pat since he was a boy and always loved his kind, caring heart. Todd was a friend of our children. The last time Tim and I ran into him he greeted us with his big smile and welcoming spirit. Charlie showered his love for Jesus over me when I needed it most. Every one of these men encouraged me with their loving, hopeful spirit. They left a positive influence on my life. Which made me wonder, what am I leaving?

In the book of Acts, Paul, who was Saul, turned his life over to Jesus. God provided him with an encouraging friend; a believer named Joseph who was nicknamed Barnabas, "son of encouragement." Barnabas left a positive impression on the people he met. He poured God's love over Paul as he traveled and taught with him.

Thinking about the men who passed reminded me that what I do, say, act have an impact on the people God places in my path. Am I making a good impression for Jesus, or am I leaving behind dark clouds of pessimism and negativity?

I'm thankful I remember Pat, Todd, and Charlie as positive influences I my life. I continue to pray for their families and friends as they miss their loved ones. I also pray God reminds me to be an encourager for him.

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. -Will Rogers

Beauty in Today 1/3/16

After church, Tim and I stopped at a local restaurant for Sunday dinner. A nice end to our holiday break. The young lady who waited on us had a sweet smile and pleasant demeanor. She answered my food questions with patience. 


I couldn't help but notice the table next to us. The people somehow ended up with the wrong order. Our waitress offered to take the food back, but they preferred to keep it and have a reduction made to their check. 

I know this doesn't sound like a moment of beauty...but here's the rest of the story.

Toward the end of our meal, the manager made his way from table to table inquiring about customer satisfaction. When he stopped at the table next to us, they once again complained. Even though the waitress had assured them their bill would be reduced, they replayed the entire scene. Sadly, the waitress overheard and saw the manager offer them a gift card. Instead of being embarrassed, or angry, our waitress went to the table, smiled, and wished them a good day. She had an attitude that helped her rise above the grumblings. Now that's beauty in the day.