Is it just me or do you all have random deep thoughts when you drive? Well I seem to on my commute to and from work so it works out to my advantage (gotta stay positive) that I drive an hour total everyday.

Anywho, I was driving to work ready to start my work week when I noticed cars slow moving on the highway I needed to merge onto. I was thinking, maybe it’s just slow moving and will pick up once I get on. (Again trying to be positive). So I am listening to my positive encouraging KLOVE radio station stopping and going inch by inch on the highway. This happened for the next 5 miles or so and then I saw what the issue was.

It was one car that was stalled and on the left shoulder in the process of being towed. Just one car holding up traffic for who knows how many miles! After I got past that car, it was smooth sailing. It was crazy to me that one car stalled on the highway can affect so many others on their commute to work. I would guess that some hundreds or possibly thousands of people were affected on their drives into work just because of one car.

It got me to thinking about how much one person can affect so many people. So many of us get misled into believing that our voice really doesn’t matter and that what we do or say won’t affect many people. In reality, every decision that you make affects others. Every action that you take and even every inaction affects others.

I want to ask you these two questions: Do you believe you can make a difference? Are you leaving a lasting impression on society for the better or worse?

I want to encourage you to start believing in yourself and the impact you can have on others around you. My goal in life is to be not only a positive influence but to point others to Jesus. The older I get, the more I realize how short life is and it makes me think about what truly matters. It isn’t the daily annoyances or inconveniences that tick me off as much anymore. You start to realize that truly bad things that happen are things like losing loved ones, innocent people getting murdered, etc. The other stuff just doesn’t even compare. I know I want to be the best person I can be and affect the most lives for the better.

It doesn’t matter where you live, how old you are, or your skill set. You can make a difference. Don’t think you have the friends and family you have for no reason. Don’t think you were born into the specific period of time that you were for no reason. Don’t think that you just happen to work with the people you do for no reason. God has a specific and special plan for your life so don’t miss it!

The CEO of the place I work has a bumper sticker that says, “You gotta act better than you feel.” We don’t always feel like being nice to others or going to work but you can still decide to. Even if you’re in a grim working environment or held up in a hospital bed, you can make a lasting impact greater than you can imagine. It’s a simple decision to have a good attitude and be the best encourager to everyone you come across.

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16

A Prayer for You

Lord, thank You for revealing these truths to me. Please guide me in Your will and becoming the woman of God you’ve called me to be. Help me to be others focused and truly make a positive impact on everyone I come across. I want to make the best use of the time I have left on earth for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.