We all want to make a difference in our families, the organizations we work for, and our churches. The problem is that we fall into the trap of thinking we have to make all the differences ourselves.
Our desire to see change, to be change results in us trying to take on too much. We see the problems in front of us and we tackle them.
Instead, I want to encourage you to make ripples.
Make Ripples
I was listening to On Fire by John O’Leary. In his book, he mentions Mother Teresa. Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
Hearing this, I pictured myself skipping rocks with my family. You find a nice, smooth stone. You look out at the lake. Then, you swing your arm and let loose. The rock skips across the water, creating ripples along the way.
I also thought of dropping a stone into a body of water. From the point of impact, the water ripples out much larger than the stone itself.
Have you ever made ripples? I think you have.
You Are The Stone
Whether you’re skipping along the top of the water or dropped into a body of water, you are creating ripples. You are the stone.
Whenever you want to make a difference, think of the one, tiny step that you can take. What action will create ripples throughout the world?
Maybe you were nice to the new employee coming into the office. They had a rough childhood. They had been taking out their frustration on their spouse. Because of your kindness, your kindness rippled throughout his family that night. His family was treated better than ever before.
Maybe you saw the mess of paper strewn throughout the bathroom at work. You took 5 seconds to pick up the extra pieces of paper and threw them in the trash. Another employee saw you do this. The next time this employee was in the bathroom and saw a mess on the floor, they took the time to clean up the mess.
Or, maybe you chose to volunteer at church. Your children saw your sacrifice. They decided to follow suit and help lead a children’s class.
You were the stone that created ripples through these lives. Your actions were the impetus of others taking action.
You never know how far the ripples you create will go. But know that the ripples you create will go far. You might change the destiny of a troubled family. You might create a new work ethic or pride in people. Or you might create a world of world changers by showing your children the importance of serving.
You have the power to create ripples throughout the lives of those you lead in the office, parent at home, and serve at church. Make sure your ripples are positive.
Be the stone that sets positive ripples throughout the world.
