Positive Influences

My mom just lived her life. She worked hard, raised ten children by herself after her husband died, during a time when women were not considered fit to make important decisions regarding the family. She made her share of mistakes like we all do but loved her children so well that we all knew we were loved. There was never a question of that.

She touched a lot of people – a lot – while raising her family. Spiritually, emotionally, gathering the boarder chicks as her own, supporting those in need, going the extra mile when she could. All while her family was most important. And yet, she never saw all she did for all these people.

She looks back on it and says she feels humbled. We often don't know the positive influence we have on others because we are all too human and mess up enough to make us think we are failing. But every time we hold out a hand, a ten-dollar bill, an offer to pray, smile at a person to brighten their day, help paint, move, or clean someone’s house, we are making a difference in another person’s life.

I had a friend who lost her husband at a young age. She still had two younger boys at home. She reminded me years later that I had bought Christmas presents for her that year and put them under her Christmas tree because I wanted her to have something to unwrap as her husband wouldn’t be there to give her presents. I had completely forgotten that gift of Christmas that I gave her, but she hadn’t. And I expect she never will. Every little thing we do – it matters.