Most people never know the impact or the positive influence they may have had on others. I realized this in a most vivid way a few years ago.
While my husband and I were in Arizona, I attended a women’s Bible study held at the park model community center where we stayed. The Bible study leader, Yvonne, was gracious with a warm, genuine smile, and a prayer life based on deep faith and conviction which she shared with any who were in need. She and her husband were seasoned motorcycle enthusiasts.
One weekend they took a day trip to a town about sixty miles from our community. With little warning, the back tire of the motorcycle blew out sending their cycle into an out-of-control wobbly spin. Both Yvonne and her husband were thrown. She suffered severe head trauma despite the fact that she was wearing a helmet. She also suffered multiple broken bones. She was air-lifted to the nearest hospital, but died the next day without ever regaining consciousness. Her husband survived intact.
I knew Yvonne for only a short time ~
But she had already impacted me with her graciousness, her genuineness, and her love for Jesus as Lord and Savior. I had to wonder, how do I influence others for a lasting impact? Do I influence others in a positive way? Do I encourage others to be their best? Do I have compassion when others may be hurting? Do I validate others as human beings on their journey in life? Do I befriend the bedraggled?
The week prior to Yvonne’s death, my friend, Lola, my husband and I rode the rails from Mesa to the west side of Phoenix. We were the obvious newbies on the light rail, since we gawked out the windows and casually watched all those boarding or exiting. Everyone else 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 ignored a wonderful opportunity to show kindness to another.
After Yvonne’s death, I was struck anew of her love for people, and the ease and grace which she showed to all those around her. Because she reflected Jesus’ love in such a way that left a lasting impact on me, I determined to intentionally seek opportunities to show kindness to others, especially to strangers. Even if it is just simple eye contact and a smile. It is my hope that I too would be able to influence others for a lasting impact as Yvonne did me. I am reminded that our actions are like raindrops that fall into the pond making ripples. We may give a smile to one and that one may give the smile to another.
What about you? What kind of lasting impact are you having on others? Think of someone who left such an impression on you and ask yourself, “How can I influence others for a lasting impression the way I was impacted?”