We'd had a storm with pretty strong winds that left many branches on the ground, so the kids and I picked them up. The yard eventually was clear of one mess, but now had a new mark.
I'm grateful I was responsible for the damage instead of my son and I'm thankful that it's not as bad as some of the tracks I've left in the past. A couple of days have passed and the marks are still there; now they have me thinking about a couple of things - one, I need to leave the skid loader operating to someone else and two, just as I left a mark driving through the yard I'm also leaving one as I walk through life.
In the same way the skid loader tires sunk into the wet soil, my words leave an impression on others' soft hearts. The track I left in our yard is there for all to see as is the example I set with the life I live. The path I cut through the grass impacts how it will grow and in a similar way my attitude and actions affect those around me.
Oh friend, I encourage you to think about the mark you are making. Think about the words you say, the things you do and the attitude you have. Especially think about these things in relation to those you love the most. What mark are you leaving on your husband? Children? Family? Co-Workers? Neighbors?
Matthew 5:16 tells us, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Friend, when our light shines, others see this. They notice the things we do and say the same way my husband noticed the tracks I left in the yard. Those marks didn't please him much and sometimes God doesn't approve of the marks I leave either. Could you say the same?
Thankfully my husband is a patient, forgiving and loving man and I'm grateful God is perfect in all of those ways! So when we mess up and leave a mark we regret let's receive His grace, but may we be motivated by His love and Word to live out 1 Thessalonians 2:12 and walk in a manner worthy of God.
When we walk this way, we are guaranteed to leave a mark that matters - one that impacts others, leaves an impression and glorifies God.
4 comments:
LOVE this, Jill! I so love how God can speak through ANYTHING and EVERYTHING! And I love how you have a heart always listening to hear His voice through anything and everything. :) Excellent reminder here today.
Thanks Kimberly! God is always present and speaking...oh to listen more! And then the challenge of living the lesson! :)
Wow! The lessons you learn through farming! Thanks so much for sharing this. It's a great reminder that we are not living unto ourselves, but to those around us. We are being watched by our families, friends, co-workers, and strangers. Oh, may they see the beauty of Christ in our actions!
Blessings,
Patti
Oh yes, the lessons never end...wish I had more time to tell them! Yes to live in such a way that others see Christ in me...challenged by that yet again! Blessings to you!
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