Sometimes I wonder how my life would have been if the journey had taken me to different places and provided experiences that offered other perspectives of life. The variations are endless, mixing and matching economic extremes of wealth and poverty with race, nationality, religion, wars, and occupations. But mostly, I wonder who I might have become if the people in my life had been different.

I wonder how my life has been shaped by watching my dad’s generosity with his brother; or how Mom’s strength and steadiness in adverse times will help me cope with life’s difficulties. I wonder if Jack’s smile for his customers will add smiles to my face; and if Millie’s commitment to the well being of others will influence me to reach out to those in need. I wonder if the unexpected tears that flowed from John’s crusty face will help me express compassion and love to those dear to me. And I wonder if the joy Philip brings to deprived children in Mexico by playing Santa Claus will help me bring joy to children in need of someone to love them.

These are but a few of the people who set unsuspecting examples that have shaped me into who I am or maybe who I may someday become. Perhaps to them their acts of generosity, strength, happiness, caring, love, and joy went unnoticed. But that is simply not the case. Indeed their acts have reached far beyond the parties to whom they were directed. They have touched me, and I am blessed that they are an indelible part of the person I am. Their lives have reflected the steadfast love of Jesus Christ in ways that set examples for me and many others like me.

So, I wonder how their examples will be reflected in the way I live. I wonder if I will exemplify my dad’s generosity enough to encourage someone else to live unselfishly. I wonder if my version of Mom’s strength and steadiness will offer someone courage to face difficult times. I wonder if my smile will linger in the memory of someone who sees it and bring about a smile of their own. And I wonder if a life will be changed by a commitment to their well being, from unexpected tears of love for those dear to me, or by a gift to a deprived child that brings them joy.

All I know for sure is that I have been blessed by those in my life who lived with the steadfast love of Jesus Christ. And my prayer is that at least in some small way my life may be like theirs—a light of Christ’s steadfast love into every life I touch.

 

“You are the light of the world.”

 www.reflectingthesavior.org.