Matthew 5:16:
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven
Who has impacted your life? The smallest gesture, a kind word or the way someone reacts can have a lasting effect on your life. You may carry a fond memory of them for a lifetime. You may smile whenever you think of them.
A lifetime of interactions with others is woven into who you are.
Someone gave you grace and know you give others grace that are in the same situation.
Someone didn’t judge you for not showing up as your best and now you think twice before judging someone else.
Someone you work with or play a sport with you admire. The hard work and positive attitude they model shows you a better way to come at things.
Someone extends love and gives you encouragement, shows up for you, in the most difficult time of their life.
Someone sees past all you’re struggling with and sees you, all parts of you, and embraces you.
Sometimes it is merely the presence of someone that makes your day. You may not be best of friends but having them in your world is a blessing.
You are made up of parts of others. Just as the presence of others have impacted you, know your presence has impacted them. People think of you and smile. They are grateful you are part of thier life. They thank God for you and can't imagine a world without you in it. You make a difference in other peoples lives. You are missed. You are remembered. You are treasured.
The enemy would love to use your interactions with others as a weapon. He wants you concentrating all the hurt and pain that relationships have caused you. He wants you to walk away from connecting to others. Protect yourself. Guard your heart. Make sure no one gets anything from you and no one takes advantage of you. If you live in a state of fear, to protect yourself from any darkness, you prevent the light from getting in. You become stagnant, afraid to move, and afraid to extend love. The enemy would love nothing more than to have you not be a loving presence in the lives of those you live with, work with, and share a planet with.
God wants you surrounded by the light. He wants you to feel the warmth of love. He believes in you and will be by your side to support you in the bumps of life. He doesn’t want you shutting the door to any possibilities of loving interactions due to fear. God wants you to see the goodness of humanity. Look at all the people in your life that have made a mark on you. Take a moment to thank and extend love to them through prayer, a text, a blessing for the day, or just thinking about what they mean to you.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank you for bringing light into my world even when I try my best to isolate myself. Thank you for all those who have impacted my life. I have been blessed with many moments of love. Forgive me for when I focus on the negative interactions, the things that have gone wrong and forget to see all that is positive and all that has gone well. Forgive me for when I give up on myself. May I recognize the goodness in others. May I recognize the good in the world. May I see the impact others have on me and I have on others. Through it all may I be aware of Your presence and support.
Amen
Heart
This heart is from 2018. It was a reminder of all the love and support me and my children had. It was our village. It was on a chalkboard in our kitchen. We moved in 2020 and no longer have a chalkboard in our house. Since then our village has grown and changed. There are so many more names to add. Take a moment to draw your heart and reflect on who impacts your life.
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