MAKING A DIFFERENCE

“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the multifaceted grace of God.” (I Peter 4:10 NASB)

A person who, judging by my eyes, was definitely a retiree, probably between the ages of 65-70 years, old approached me in the grocery store. She says, “Sir.” I’m thinking, “How old do I look?” Smile! But I respond, “Hello!” I asked if she needed help, assuming that she was perhaps not familiar with the store’s realignment of shelves, and she merely wanted directions to the proper aisle. The thought also went through my mind that perhaps she needed help in getting an item off a top shelf. As you read on, you will see I was wrong.

She goes on to say, “Aren’t you Mr. King?” I’m kind of shocked, not because we were both senior citizens, but because she knew my name. She goes on to say, “You don’t remember me, do you?” You know how we are, not wanting to say, “No.” So, I said, “You look very familiar, but I cannot think of your name.” She said, “You taught me in Psychology in high school.”  I’m kind of stunned because if I think of my students, I think of them how they were 50 plus years ago. The woman goes on to say, “I still remember you teaching us about Sigmund Freud, Abraham Maslow, B.F. Skinner, Charles Darwin, and Edward Thorndike.” Smiling through my inner astonishment, I replied, “You remember more than I do!” Before ending the exchange, which seem briefer that what I am writing, this “youngster” says, “Your class made a difference in my interest in learning, higher education, and a career working with people as a social worker.”  I said, “I’m glad I made a difference, but I’m sure your drive, your defined goals, and your devotion to achieving was the most important factors in your success. Nevertheless, it is good to be remembered.” With that we said, “Goodbye” and went our separate way, continuing our shopping.

On my drive home, I started thinking about how important it is for us, Christians, to make a lasting, life-changing, positive difference, definite impact, and positive influence on the lives of others, especially young people. Hopefully today and in the days ahead that we are blessed to see, we will make a positive difference in someone’s life. Let me change that last sentence by replacing “someone’s life” to “the lives of many.”

Have a great day! Be blessed!

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 The Message Bible)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King