Some people know how to influence others for a lasting impact, but most may not be aware of the impact or positive influence they have on others. I realized this in a most vivid way a few years ago and the impression has never left me.
While in Arizona, I attended a Bible study held at the community center of the park model resort where my husband and I stayed. The Bible study leader Yvonne, was a vivacious and lovely woman – gracious with a warm, genuine smile, and a deep faith in the Lord Jesus.
She and her husband have been motorcycle enthusiasts for many years. One day, they took a day trip to a town about sixty miles from our community. With little warning, the back tire of their motorcycle blew out sending their cycle into an out-of-control wobbly spin. Yvonne was thrown as well as was her husband. She suffered severe head trauma, despite the fact that she was wearing a helmet. She also had multiple broken bones. She was air-lifted to the nearest hospital, but died the next day without regaining consciousness. Her husband survived intact although he did have cuts and bruises.
I had known Yvonne for only a short time, but she impacted me with her graciousness and her love of the Savior in such a way that caused me to realize I fall way short of showing such love to others, especially to strangers.
The week after her death, my friend, Lola, my husband and I rode the rails from Mesa to the west side of Phoenix. We were obvious newbies on the light rail. Everyone who boarded at various stops, glanced around for an empty seat, and then immediately set their eyes and thumbs into electronic motion. No one spoke to each other. No one made eye contact. No pleasantries. Just people on their usual commute.
That night, I felt convicted that I did not make any effort to befriend anyone, to talk with someone, to validate another human being. I missed a wonderful opportunity to show kindness. to a stranger.
I thought of Yvonne, and how she had influenced others for a lasting impact. She was totally unaware that I was struck anew of her love she had for people, and the ease and the grace with which she showed it to those around her. Because she reflected Jesus’ love in such a genuine way that left a lasting impact on me, I determined to intentionally seek opportunities to show kindness to others, especially to strangers. It is my hope that I too, would be ale to influence others as she did me, that it would become second nature to me.
What about you? What kind of lasting impact or influence do you have on others? Think of someone who left such an impression on your life, then ask yourself: “How can I influence others for a lasting impression for their good?”