I think it’s really important to recognize the people who have made a difference in our lives—and to acknowledge and understand what it is that they did. If it had not been for Anne Sullivan, the name of Helen Keller might have remained unknown. But if it had not been for a kind and dedicated nurse, the name of Anne Sullivan may never have been known either. And so it goes.
Those we have reached—whether they are in our family or beyond—are part of a chain of love that can extend through generations. Our influence on their lives, whether or not we ever see the results, is immeasurable. The legacy of dedicated kindness and care can transform lost and hopeless lives, not just now, but for years to come. We can never overestimate the power of our love. It is a fire that, once lit, may burn forever.
The people who make a lasting difference in our lives are not always the ones with the most credentials, money, or awards. While I can easily recall many people who have deeply impacted my life, I must admit that the foundation of my continued happiness and success began with my wife and family. Their consistent positive attitude created a filter through which I now view the world—with optimism and hope. This ongoing stream of hope has attracted like-minded, generous, and joyful people into my life, leaving me with no regrets and abundant peace.
Let’s share our stories and celebrate the people who helped us get where we are today. Most of us can reflect on how others have shaped us, but we rarely consider how our own lives influence others. They may be family members, friends, coworkers, casual acquaintances, or even strangers we’ll never meet. A poem I read recently captures this beautifully:
As we live, we are weaving a pattern; we must make it beautiful, too.
We use the sunshine and shadows to bring out the design clear and true.
Our bright days are threads of silver; here and there we need a dark line.
Don’t worry over disappointments; they only bring out the design.
It takes heartaches, pain, and sorrow—dark days and days that are bright;
We must weave them all together to bring out the design just right.
I’ve often thought of each of us as a ball on a billiard table. As our lives collide and interact with others, the direction we take may change forever. Hopefully, the pattern we weave with our lives will always be clear, encouraging, and helpful to those around us.
I used to think the apostle Paul sounded arrogant when he said, “Watch me, and follow Christ like I do.” But over time, I’ve come to understand what he meant. Paul wasn’t saying he got everything right—he was admitting how often he got it wrong. He was saying, “If I get it right, it’s because Jesus is doing it through me. And when I mess up, watch how I humble myself and put Jesus back at the center of my life.” It’s his weakness that magnified God’s strength. It’s the dark threads in our lives that highlight the goodness and glory of God.
All the while, God is the weaver—taking our good and bad moments and stitching them together into a mosaic as beautiful as He is. Because He is the mosaic. He is our life. He is everything.
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