Ripples and Wildflowers

Picture with me a smooth quiet pond. There are green grass and colorful wildflowers reflected in the stillness of the water. The tree behind you houses a family of birds chirping away. You look down and see an acorn lying on the ground. You pick it up and throw it into the water. At first there is little effect, but soon the ripples start forming and outward they grow, larger and larger, disturbing the quiet water. You reach down and gather five more acorns and toss them in. This time the ripples seem to take over the entire pond. Each acorn making it’s own path until it meets with the paths of the others.

So is life. Each of us is like one of those acorns. We are each making our own path through life. The decisions that we make and the words that we speak often have effects that reach farther than we imagine. We may feel at times that no one really cares what we do, but often we don’t know who is watching and listening and learning.

The wrong choices that are made, the negative words spoken, even a sour expression may not seem to you to have much of a lasting effect, but what if everyone acted the way you do? On the other hand, a kind word, a soft smile, a thoughtful action, or even just doing our daily chores with a cheerful attitude can have farther reaching results than you would think.

For example, think of the beautiful wildflowers along the road. Some people want to stop and pick them. So what’s wrong with that? Well, what if everyone that drove by did the same thing, soon there would not be any to enjoy and none to spread their seeds and bring forth more flowers. However, think of a bare patch of ground along a busy highway. Instead of taking something, what if each person planted a seed? Think of the loveliness that would be created! What if everyone made the choices that you make? The things that we do may seem small, but what if everyone was doing it?

Sometimes it seems that as Christians, we don’t seem to be making much of an impact on the world. But as we do what we can to honor and serve God, someone is watching us. Maybe we can make a difference in that one persons life, who will, in turn, make a difference for someone else, and so the ripples form. As we make choices each day to serve God and help others and to not live selfishly, our actions progress onward. We won’t know until we reach eternity, the effect that our lives have had on others.

So what kind of ripples are you making today? Even if you never leave your house, your actions matter to someone. Go make some ripples! Go plant some seeds!

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Images Courtesy of:
www.nsf.gov
www.brazoscyclists.org