“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions.” (Henri Nouwen)
I was having one of those “meh” days. Heading out late one evening to buy bread to make what felt like my millionth marmite sandwich for boys’ lunches, I wondered if in the scheme of Heaven I’d made any impact, made a difference at all that day for someone. My eyes then alighted on a Church’s billboard with the words “what you do and how you live matters.” A timely reminder that we do makes a difference. And if I needed anymore of a reminder a friend then made me aware of a Facebook posting she had made two years ago that I wasn’t aware of.
“Yesterday we moved into our new house in Auckland. And today for the first time in my life, a neighbour has brought us cupcakes to welcome us to the neighbourhood. I thought that just happened in movies. Kiwis you rock!”
That was me! (Surprisingly given my inconsistent record when it comes to baking!) On that ordinary day two years ago, I had a thought to take some cupcakes round to our new neighbours to say hi and welcome! On that day it seems I made a difference even though I was unaware of the fact.
There are so many ways that we can extend the love of God to those around us. From a smile, to a helping hand, to an encouraging conversation we can bring light into the darkness around us. We need to remind ourselves to look at our lives through Heaven’s eyes. Heaven’s perspective is different to ours and often values what we write off. Even in the mundane, the little or the seemingly insignificant moments we can and do bring glory to God. We shine His light.
“You will shine…like stars in the sky.” (Philippians 2:15)
(PS: Image is not of the cupcakes I made! Sadly!)
Blue Skies & Lollipops 