“Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” 1 Timothy 4:12

“It’s not what you gather but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.” Helen Walton

I stood on the shore and watched the kids throw rocks into the lake. Whole fistfuls flew through the air. Each rock hit the water with the same result. No matter the size of the rock, ripples circled out, intersected with other ripples, and spanned far beyond the spot where each stone landed.

We are like these rocks. No matter how influential or how insignificant we see ourselves, we each send out ripples that circle further than we ever dream.

Words and deeds of kindness or cruelty, gentleness or abrasiveness, generosity or greed, all ripple out and touch other lives far beyond the boundaries we think they go.

Our families, co-workers, neighbors, and even strangers are often affected by an act or a word of ours that we never imagined would get that far.

My husband is good at skipping rocks across the water. The kids count the skips — the more the better. Sometimes we think we too can skip through life, independent, not touching others, hurrying on without time to stop and be concerned about anyone else. Yet the inevitable ripples still flow out. We do influence, we do touch others, even when we are not aware of it. God even reminds us of our ripples when He reminds us that we are examples.

As you go through your day today be reminded that you are sending out ripples. You have no idea how far they can go.

Heavenly Father, I sometimes forget that I am an influence in the places I walk each day. Help me to be aware of the ripples I send out with my words and conversations and even my tones. Thank You that Your Holy Spirit will fill me so that the ripples from my words and actions touch and encircle those around me with strength and encouragement. Help me to be an example of love and faith and purity today because You have placed me in this very spot to bring Your love to others. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Take Action

For more on the ripple effect your life has on those around you, read “Your Life is a Witness.”