Proverbs 16:24
A few days later nothing much had changed, but on Thursday morning we awoke to heavy winds and much cooler temperatures. It was like summer had turned into winter overnight. It was surprising that the hurricane, which had touched land much further south, could affect the air and water temperatures to the degree that it did. But as we walked around, jacketed and holding onto our hats, it was obvious we were experiencing the ripple effects of the hurricane, even though we were far from its eye.
As we were taking all of this in, suddenly it occurred to me that our lives are much like hurricanes. Oh, hopefully not to the degree of damage and devastation they can cause, but like them, we too produce ripple effects. But ours affect people, those with whom we come in contact, even those we merely brush up against, so to speak. Who knows? A simple smile or a kind greeting can make or break someone’s day, as does the tone of our voice, our attitude or even what we do or fail to do.
During our 10-day vacation I experienced two extremes. One man we met was disagreeable about everything and his negativity was hard to shake. In contrast I met a delightful young woman who left my heart singing. It wasn’t really anything she said, it was simply how joyful and kind she was as we sat next to each other on the plane talking about life. Both times I was reminded that it is true—our lives do have ripple effects upon others.
Perhaps this is one reason God is so insistent in His word that we treat one another well, urging us to greet one another joyfully, care for one another, forgive one another, serve, comfort, encourage and pray for one another. And putting a ribbon around them all, Jesus simply said: “Love one another.” John 13:34
The ripple effects of hurricanes do have a lesson to teach. For like them, the ripple effects of our lives affect others. This is a given.
What kind of ripples they are is our choice.
Love and blessings to all,
Judy Rose Grubaugh