Waking up on this particular, day I was discouraged and didn’t think it mattered if I skipped praying at the police and fire station. This is something I’ve done since the 2020 pandemic, at 8:30am every day, Monday through Friday. My friend, who is a pastor’s wife, posted something on Instagram, which was perfect for me, obviously I needed it for today. She wrote that, “We do make a difference… and God wants us to share our Grace gifts.” Saying that, “He needs all members of His body to work together. Everyone counts!” I changed my mind and went to pray with the group of Believer’s who meet at our local law enforcement buildings in our little town, and felt led to share this with them! This mindset changed my whole day and outlook. Then, wherever I went, I purposefully intended on being a blessing and making a difference.
Back at home, I shared my friend’s post with my husband and my home-from-college-over-the-summer daughter. He then shared with me a text he’d just gotten from his former boss about the difference my husband had made in his life. This really encouraged me personally even more that my actions -what I actually do and have done, truly matters.
My day continued with a scheduled nail appointment. I talked positively to my tech, who is also the owner and has become a friend over the years. I know I encouraged him and his day, letting him know how much I appreciated him making me feel special and heard, which made for an enjoyable experience every few weeks. I shared how his smile changed every person’s outlook when they entered the salon. My nails looked great, by the way!
My next meeting was with a local women’s ministry that I’ve been involved with for years. It was our monthly planning time, and I was able to share positive things and felt I gave credible insights. I gave props where it was due, offered encouraging suggestions, and then shared the joy of how much visiting my new grandbabies meant to me. I loved the smiles and nodding of heads from those ladies who can relate to the happiness of family!
Off then to UPS, where I just happened to run into a former soccer teammate of my daughter’s and listened briefly to her life but shared in her excitement for happenings and encouraged her to keep going after “it”! When I finally got to the counter, the UPS clerk was…not so good. I offered empathy and understanding. I think I encouraged her enough to get through her day.
Finally, errands were done and I was back home. My sweet husband was headed out the door. This evening, he was off to a monthly dinner with the people of his former company. It’s a unique group, but they stay in touch personally and share professionally current statuses. That dinner meeting was very encouraging for him. They talked about the influences he’s had on one person’s life and the lives of others around him in the workplace. (She had not been able to share this with him while working with him). But he mattered and his opinions had made an impact on her life.
When my daughter came home from her daytime adventures, we spent time together, talking and then we Face-timed my oldest son and got to talk to the sweet grandboys! That’ll make you smile!
Since “Dad” was out for the evening, we went shopping for groceries, making small talk with the checkout clerk and showed ourselves friendly, thanking him for what he does! I know this made a difference in his day too.
When my daughter and I got home that evening, my husband was there. I got to show him all his favorite food things I bought him, just because I love him. I appreciate all that he does and really am thankful God has blessed us with a wonderful life together – and know that by remembering him and his preferences at the supermarket might make a positive difference in his day as well.
Showing the love of God in our everyday lives doesn’t have to be hard or calculated. It begins with an attitude and intention. Knowing that we are living out what Jesus told us to do – “LOVE”, makes all the difference in the world.